Did you know that Valencia is one of Spain’s top cities for Art Nouveau, or Modernismo, architecture? I didn’t either! Let’s explore these architectural gems together! Our self-guided tour of Valencia will take you through some of the city’s most stunning buildings and historic structures.
We’ve designed a 5-kilometer self-paced walking tour, also known as the Art Nouveau Treasure Map, which you can follow on Google Maps using your smartphone. This tour covers the historic center of Valencia and the Eixample quarter, showcasing 43 beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. And when you finish, an Art Nouveau café awaits with delicious sangria!
We begin at the impressive Mercado Central, whose construction started in 1914 and finished in 1928. This market combines Art Nouveau with the Gothic style of its neighbors, like the UNESCO World Heritage site Llotja de la Seda. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe, featuring around 400 traders.
Next, head to Casa Ordeig and then to Pasage Ripalda, one of Spain’s few glass-covered galleries, before reaching the main square, Plaza Ayuntamiento. This square is filled with grand Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. Walk around the block to see the City Hall (free entrance and a museum), the Post Office (you must peek inside), the Suay building from 1910, Hotel Reina Victoria, Carrer de Correus no. 6, and Carrer de Roger de Llòria no. 3.
Continue south to the remarkable Estació del Nord, built between 1906 and 1917 in the Vienna Secession style. It’s a palace of early 20th-century progress and prosperity, brimming with unique details.
We then make our way to the Eixample district. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, this area, especially famous in Barcelona, is full of stunning buildings. Wander past Carrer de Castelló no. 12 with its charming wrought iron balustrades resembling harps, and onto Gran Via boulevard, which is lined with grand architecture.
On Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, you’ll find elegant balconies and an amazing portal at no. 5, and Casa Ortega at no. 9 from 1906, showcasing opulent sculptures. Architect Manuel Peris Ferrando, a first-generation Modernista architect in Valencia, designed these buildings.
Turning onto Carrer de Ciril Amorós, you’ll encounter Casa Ferrer at no. 29, designed by Demetrio Ribes Marco, who also designed Estació del Nord. Ribes Marco’s work is an example of the Vienna Secession style that gained popularity in Spain after the 1904 International Congress of Architects in Madrid.
Continue past interesting buildings at no. 58, and along Carrer de Ciril Amorós, you’ll find the white no. 64 and the cream-colored no. 66. A right turn at the next street brings you back to Gran Via. Admire the uniform façade of Edificios Chapa, covering eight plots designed by three different architects between 1909 and 1913. Walk along Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, peeking into no. 65’s elegant foyer.
Finally, we arrive at Mercado Colon. The construction of this airy, open market began in 1914 and finished in just over two years. Francisco Mora Berenguer designed it, drawing inspiration from his studies under Lluís Domènech i Montaner and the workshops of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. Renovated at the turn of this century, it’s a popular spot to wine, dine, or relax.
After a break at one of the cafés, explore the nearby Art Nouveau buildings like Carrer de Jorge Juan no. 22, 20, 19, and 13, Carrer de Martínez Ferrando no. 5, and Carrer del Comte de Salvatierra no. 27 and 25. Continue past no. 19 and its elegant glass canopy covered balconies, and no. 9 with ornamented windows, until you reach the curious Edificio de los Dragones from 1901 at the corner of Carrer de Sorní and Carrer Colon. It blends Art Nouveau with Neo-Gothic and Moorish styles in a style known as “fantastic medievalism,” designed by José Manuel Cortina Pérez.
Browse along Carrer Colon, turn left to cross Plaça D’Alfons el Magnánimo, and head into Carrer de la Pau. This street is filled with Art Nouveau architecture, including the Vincci Palace Hotel and Edificio Gomez I and II, as well as the Red Nest Hostel Valencia.
At the end of Carrer de la Pau, we find Casa Sanchez de Leon, also known as Cuba Island Store, with its charming round windows and colorful plasterwork. Construction started in 1896 and finished in 1909.
We end the tour at Casa del Punt de Gantxo. The ground floor is the Baroque chapel of San Valero and San Vicente from 1719, while the rest of the building dates to 1906. Its façade towards Plaça de l’Almoina is the most decorated, but the back towards Plaça de l’Arquebisbe is equally impressive. Featuring plant motif ledges, handrails, and red glazed tiles, it’s a playful example of Valencian Art Nouveau.
To conclude your tour in true Art Nouveau style, stroll along Carrer dels Cavallers to Plaza del Tossal and relax at Café Infanta. Among dark red curtains, curvy woodwork, and crystal chandeliers, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail or their scrumptious sangria. Salud!
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