Our last day in Valencia - Plaza de la Virgen, Turia Fountain and Torres de Quart

On our fourth day in Valencia, we opened our eyes to a sunny morning and set off on foot toward the city center. First I would like to briefly mention our accommodation experience. The apartment we stayed in was around 133 euros on its own website and about 150 euros on online booking platforms. However, to be honest we did not really get our money’s worth. The shower fitting was practically on the verge of falling apart and the air conditioning was working quite weakly. Based on my experience I can say that neighbor noise or similar inconveniences can pop up anywhere in the Mediterranean region. But for that price, we could have found a much more comfortable place. In short this is not a particularly cheap city for lodging.

As we moved through the city streets, the first thing that caught our attention was the historic bridges. We started the day with a structure similar to the one we crossed while finishing our evening walk. Further ahead tower like structures surviving from the old defense lines appeared. Even though there is no city wall left, pieces remaining from the ancient ramparts can still be made out. To reach the center, we initially chose the tram, but the vehicles move unbelievably slowly. In fact, since it runs every 20 minutes, when we factored in the time spent waiting at the stop, we realized we would arrive in the same amount of time if we just walked. Still, thinking it was not a bad idea to save a little energy at the start of the day, we reached the center by tram.

The moment we entered the central area, the scenery shifted instantly. The monotonous streets we saw while walking from the stop gave way to mesmerizing historic buildings. Even though we are used to classic Spanish and European architecture, the atmosphere here draws you right in. Walking accompanied by the apetizing and pleasant scents coating the streets was delightful. Fortunately for us, the air temperature on our final day was virtually perfect. Neither hot nor cold nor humid. We were experiencing a thoroughly balanced Mediterranean day.

I suppose because it was the weekend, the surroundings were a bit more tranquil. When we reached one of the historic squares, the structures encircling us reminded me of those famous historic Italian cities. Later I learned that this similarity was no coincidence. But stemmed from interactions in the projects of architects working across Europe in the past and the connections of the deeply rooted families of the era with this city.

Since we would hit the road very early the next morning, we did not rush that day and got plenty of sleep. It was already 11.00 am. Even though concrete buildings squeezed in between stood out despite being in the city center, the overall texture was wonderful. We arrived at the main square, home to a magnificent place of worship. This was Plaza de la Virgen square. The sculpted fountain in the middle and the surrounding historic structures looked spectacular with the angle of the light. That was the best part of exploring at different hours. As the daylight changes, even streets you crossed earlier take on a completely different identity, as if you were seeing them for the first time. The Turia Fountain here, with its male statue in the center, symbolizes the Turia River flowing through Valencia, while the waterbearing female statues around it symbolize the eight irrigation canals fed by this river. The towered structure on the right is Valencia cathedral, the main church of Valencia. Its Gothic gate in the square is known as the Apostles Gate. The domed structure on the left is the Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless, dedicated to the patron saint of the city.

The service at the basilica had just ended when we arrived. Seeing the activity inside, we gave it a shot and, learning that entry was free, had the opportunity to examine this beautiful structure up close. A sweet breeze was blowing as we entered the side streets, encouraging us to walk further. In my opinion one needs to set aside more than two days to really feel this city. Although two days might seem sufficient for high tempo travelers like us, one could spend even a week to properly tour the museums, exhibitions and modern areas.

Even the slightly neglected buildings smelling of lived in history in Southern European countries add a unique flair to the environment. The clutter in the side streets stops being bothering and becomes part of the composition through the effect of colorful houses and the warm climate. Another thing that came as a surprise to us was that despite it being Sunday, some chain supermarkets and small convenience stores continued to serve.

We visited the city’s famous historic gates later. Passing through narrow streets, we arrived next to giant towers. The name of the gates here is Torres de Quart. The holes visible on these towers are cannonball marks made during the Peninsular War in 1808. As we entered and exited the side streets, we understood better just how vast an area the old city center actually covered.

The last stop of our tour was again the city’s world famous modern Arts and Sciences complex. A massive park stretched right behind this area, which we reached in just 10 minutes by bus from the center. For those tired of modern architecture, a wonderful escape point was designed where they could be alone with nature. Fresh floral scents accompanied us as we walked around the complex. However, one detail that caught my attention was that one of the giant circular water basins was completely drained. The concrete floor was exposed, but the area as a whole was still impressive.

Sometimes, when traveling, the paths navigation guides you toward do not always lead to picture perfect views. Occasionally you find yourself in the middle of construction sites or neglected back alleys. Yet, in my opinion what makes traveling realistic and beautiful are precisely these moments right out of real life.

Thus we wrapped up our tour in this beautiful Mediterranean city. We began preparations for a brandnew route awaiting us the next day and another historic Spanish city waiting to be discovered.