"La lonja de la seda" (Valencia Silk Exchange) is one of the most significant buildings of the city. Built in the 15th century (1482-1498), this is the city's most outstanding Gothic example and was declared UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. In the same are the visitor will find the Central Market as well as the "Iglesia de los Santos Juanes" (Santos Juanes Church).
The historical centre also contains the "Palau de la Generalitat", " Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados" and the Valencia Catedral while "El Miguelete", a style tower adjoining the cathedral is one of the most symbolic monuments in the city. Also worth seeing is the "Plaza redonda" which contains a market. The old town was surrounded by a wall to the late 1900's with two towers (Quart and Serranos Towers) still standing.
Another site of interest is the "L'Eixample" area which contains beautiful "art nouveau" style buildings namely the Colon Market and the North Station, one of the main rail network in Spain. Along with the quoted Valencia's historical heritage the city has quickly adapted to modern times.
Few cities have been able to combine so harmoniously the remains from earlier periods, as far back as 138 B.C., with the most modern and avant-garde buildings.Projects like "The City of Arts and Science", a scientific and cultural centre designed by the prestigious Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava reflect the modernity and growth of Valencia. Located close to the Turia river course it covers an overall area of 350,000 square metres and has become a referent in the city.
In the sorroundings of the city centre you can find natural spaces of great interest, like the Albufera’s Natural Park, located 15 kilometres from the South of the city. This is the biggest lake of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a sea gulf closed by a sandbar and fed by the sweet waters of gullies, irrigation ditches and other kind of channels called 'ullals'.
