Valencia Home Exchange - Day 1

August 2020

Another Home Exchange trip!  YEA!!!  Due to Covid-19, the last trip I got in before the lockdown was Cologne, Germany in early March.  Since then, I've had 7 cancellations.  Finally, I was able to escape to Valencia, Spain for 6 days!!

With my island resident discount, my airfare on AirEuropa was only $32 round trip.  Yes, you read right, so close your jaw!  And, as usual, before travelling I purchased a 'City Pass' that covered all transportation (bus, light rail, subway) for 5 days, plus discounts to various venues (some were free) and entrance to the City of Arts & Sciences complex...all for $73.33.

My flight left at 7am which meant I had to get up at 4am.  I was off the plane and in the terminal by 8am, but the tourism office, where I needed to pick up my City Pass, didn't open until 8:30am.  I waited a half hour, got my pass and was on my way.  

Even though the flight was short (45 mins), by the time I took the train and walked to the apartment, I was uh-pooped.  I unpacked and laid down for a nap for a few hours before setting out to see what I could see in the remainder of the day.  Unfortunately, the apartment didn't have internet which meant I could only use my cell phone for any interweb services.

Valencia

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona, with a population of about 800,000 in the city proper (double that of Palma, where I live).  The Port of Valencia is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea.  The historic center, or 'Old Town' is huge and, aside from the beaches and the City of Arts & Sciences (CAS), everything you want to see and do is in this area.

My Home Exchange apartment was located in the center of old town on one of the many 1-lane-wide meandering streets.  Located on the 6th floor and having a nice sized patio/balcony, I was able to enjoy the nighttime views and the air cooling down from the 90 degree daytime temps.

My Home Exchange apartment building

I love the artistic ironwork of the streetlamps throughout old town

And, I LOVE Gargoyles!!!

Everywhere I turned, there was another church

Commercial Trade building

View from my Home Exchange apartment building

In the16 minute video below, I'll take you through the Llotja de Seda (silk stock exchange), the Cathedral, a Basillica, around a wonderful fountain, including still photos and end at one of the massive, ancient city gates!!  But first, here's some tidbits of info about the some of the things you'll see:

The Cathedral

The Cathedral was consecrated in 1238 but construction went on for centuries which explains why there's a mixture of artistic styles from Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, etc.

Basilica Mare De Deu

Built in the mid-1600's it is located right next door to the Cathedral.

Torre del Micalet

The bell tower to the Cathedral was originally a free-standing tower.  Construction started in 1381 and ended in 1429, though modified several times due to fire and the extension of the central nave which physically connected it to the Cathedral.

La Lonja de la Seda

Built between 1482 and 1548 it was a civil building used to conduct trade and hammer out contracts with merchants.  In subsequent times, it became known as the 'Silk Exchange'.

Torres de Serranos

One of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall, built between 1392 and 1398, it is in remarkable condition some 600+ years later!  It was the main entrance to the city and it was originally built with a defensive function.  From 1586 until 1887 the towers were used as a prison for nobles.  The perimeter walls were torn down in 1865 but these towers were preserved.

San Bartolome Tower

Built in 1239, it is the only remaining part of a church it was once attached to.  In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, the church was set on fire.  In 1944 it was demolished and so, too, was the destiny of the tower.  However, before the tower could be destroyed an agency of arts and culture stepped in and saved it.

Ready with your popcorn and Milk Duds??

Click on the video image:

Or click here:  https://youtu.be/q_mL-V9if8g

Don't forget to click the 'box' in the lower right corner to expand the viewing area to full-screen!

Stay Tuned for Day 2 & 3 coming up next!!

Dano

By the way, if you're interested in viewing any of my past entries about travelling around Europe and where I live in Mallorca, simply scroll down past my signature to the end.  There, you'll see 'Blog History'.  You can click on any Month/Year to see the titles I published at that time.  Simply click on the title you're interested in and it will take you to that page.