Visit Valencia Silk Exchange
Valencia's Silk Exchange, the 'Lonja de la Seda' is one of the most important civil Gothic monuments in Europe and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Silk Exchange is located in the centre of Valencia opposite the covered market.
Explore the Silk Exchange of Valencia
The silk exchange was mostly built between 1483 and 1498 under the direction of the architect Pere Compte and is similar to the Silk Exchange of Palma-de-Mallorca. Following his death the work was finished by one of his pupils and some Renaissance elements were added at this time.
This building replaced a previous building which was called the oil exchange and was where the trade of agricultural oil and other business was conducted. The rising prosperity of Valencia in the 15th century led to the building of the Lonja, the current silk exchange.
The beautiful Trading Hall with its twsting columns and vaulted ceilings is stunning and well worth a visit.
The Lonja is comprised of four main parts, the main hall, the Consulate rooms, the orange-tree patio and the tower.
The consulate rooms are in a side wing from the main hall and their decorations include elaborately carved doors and windows and one has a very ornamental ceiling.
The patio is a peaceful space with a star-shaped pool and a number of orance trees and palms decorating the patio.
The tower has a small chapel at the bottom and the upper two floors were used to lock up those who did not pay their debts!
The Silk Exchange is beautiful on the inside but also has a stunning exterier. Doorways and windows are surrounded by decorative stone carving and its crenellated walls are also decorated with a number of gargoyles.
The Silk Exchange is oppostite the covered market of Valencia which is also a beautiful building and the ornate Church of Saint John which makes this part of Valencia, around the Plaza del Mercado, a particularly attractive part of the city to visit.
The Silk Exchange is free to visit at the moment though payment systems are being introduced. It is open from 10am to 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
The Lonja de la Seda of Valencia is inscibed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its "outstanding universal value as it is a wholly exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which dramatically illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities".
Attractions nearby
The old centre of Valencia is beautiful with lots to see. Walking around the old city is a pleasure with many beautiful and ornate buildings. The areas around the cathedral and the town hall are the other two key areas.
The National Museum of Ceramics is housed in a beautiful Baroque palace in Valencia and the Valencia Fine Arts Museum has an excellent collection.
Also not to be missed is a visit to Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences with its fabulous contemporary buildings and its huge aquarium, the Oceanografic.
A visit to Xativa and the lovely castle of Xativa is an easy day trip from Valencia by train or by car.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Valencia guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Photos of Valencia Silk Exchange
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Map of Valencia Silk Exchange and places to visit
Valencia Silk Exchange places to visit
National Ceramics Museum
Spain's National Ceramics museum is housed in a beautiful Baroque building in the heart of Valencia's old town.
National Ceramics Museum guide
Valencia
An attractive city with an historic centre but also a lively centre with trendy bars, restaurants and shops.
Valencia guide
Valencia Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum of Valencia has an excellent display of Valencian and Spanish artists. The display includes beautiful golden altarpieces from the 14th and 15th century.
Valencia Fine Arts Museum guide
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences is a spectacular collection of modern buildings housing arts and science exhibitions.
City of Arts and Sciences guide
Valencia Aquarium
The Oceanografic Aquarium of Valencia is the largest in Europe. It is located in the wonderfully modern City of Arts and Science on the edge of the city of Valencia.
Valencia Aquarium guide
Albufera Nature Reserve
A beautiful wetland site to the south of Valencia. It is home to a large bird population.
Albufera Nature Reserve guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia