Valencia

September 13th 2014

Valencia is calling us today…we decided to catch a train into the city today…

The station itself is absolutely stunning..I wish I had taken more photos as it was a real feast for the eyes. It was constructed between 1906 hand 1917 and has many original features still in place. The lobby itself is just a delight.

[caption id="attachment_2451" align="aligncenter" width="480"] This is the station at Valencia. The lobby is covered in the most amazing[/caption]

Mosaics of flowers and fruits adorn the walls and ceiling



[caption id="attachment_2454" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The ceiling...[/caption]

stained glass windows loom large above the floor



and the carving on the woodwork is delightful.

[caption id="attachment_2455" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The station building….[/caption]

We were feeling very naughty today ...

[caption id="attachment_2456" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Fantastic sweet shop…we needed a sugar fix!!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2457" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Then, it was frozen watermelon with yoghurt and fruit….[/caption]

Ok…enough eating, time to wander the city...

The market was beautiful and buzzing. A place of community. A real treat for the senses. Colours, smells, tastes and textures around every corner….

[caption id="attachment_2458" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The market hall…just look at that tiled ceiling….[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2459" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Fish of every kind….[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2461" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Jambon[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2462" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Fruit...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2460" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Domed ceiling of the market[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2463" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Gorgeous architecture around every corner….[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2465" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Isn't this beautiful?[/caption]



 

Back in the 1950's the river Turia used to flow right through the centre of the city, but then there was a terrible flood that destroyed many buildings and killed at least 81 people. the government at that time then decided to re route the river away from the city centre resulting in a dry riverbed running through the heart of the city. This riverbed has now been turned into a 9km long park…filled with sports stadiums, playgrounds, picnic spots, cycle tracks, museums etc…It is absolutely fantastic and a real triumph for the city...

[caption id="attachment_2464" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A bridge over the riverbed/park...[/caption]

Tomorrow we will return and cycle through the park, and hopefully meet Javier and his family for a picnic...

Valencia is a beautiful city which we probably haven't really given enough time to explore all that it has to offer or taken the time to read much in preparation, however, it's definitely a place we would return to again one day…there is so much more to discover. We loved the architecture, the narrow streets, the wide plazas and especially the wonderful park.