One of the great merits of Valencia has been the way it has balanced tradition and modernity. The city possesses an attractive historical centre, fully integrated in a modern city with multiple services. The medieval city is framed by the old course of the River Turia and the streets of Guillem de Castro, Xàtiva and Colón. You can enter it across any of the bridges over the old course of the river. One of them is Serranos Bridge, which gives its name to one of the two surviving historical gates that were the entrances to the walled city.
Although the city walls were demolished in the 19th century, on your walk you can find some sections of the old Islamic wall as well as some towers and the Gate of Valldigna, which in the 15th century connected the Christian and Muslim districts.
Valencia Cathedral was built over the main mosque and was consecrated as a cathedral by El Cid in 1096. Micalet or Miguelete bell-tower is one of the symbols of the city.
If you continue along St Vincent Martyr Street, after a long walk you can reach the junction with the Gran Vía de Ramón y Cajal, where the Plaza de España displays the equestrian statue of El Cid, the work of Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Further information in the fact-file on Valencia.
Rev.: JGG 18.10.22