19 April 2008

La Lonja de la Seda - in Valencia

La Lonja is highlighted in all the guidebooks and it was certainly one of my favourites of all the places we visited in Valencia. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been recently restored so you can now see it in it's full glory - as a bonus the entry is free. It would be a great contrast if you're feeling overwhelmed after the Baroque splendour of the Palacio del Marques de dos Aguas, as there is a tranquil and cathedral-like feel about the place.

La Lonja de Seda or Silk Exchange was founded in the 15th century and the twisted stone pillars reaching up to the vaulted ceiling resemble the skeins of twisted silk. These days you enter the spacious and cool Sala de Contratacion (The Contract Hall) which in the past would have been filled with the bustle of Valencia's merchants going about their business.

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2 comments:

Monna said...

Hi there!

I am very much enjoying your trip to Valencia and the accompanying history lessons! I have been to Valencia and we did not do half of this cool stuff. Thanks for the tips!

A quick note to say that I am loving Devon Sproule which you recommended. Perhaps, if you like that band, you will enjoy the soundtrack from Ethan Hawke's film "The Hottest State".

We are off to Dublin on Friday with four fourteen year-old boys. Any recommendations?

Happy travels!

Anonymous said...

So sorry, but I haven't yet been to Dublin so can't make any recommendations. It's all those 'soft' days that Ireland have a reputation for I'm afraid, hope the sun shines for you as its a beautiful place when it does.