Posted: Jul 4, 2012, 10:10 AM
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Hong Kong
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,400
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hkskyline's 2011 VALENCIA Photo Collection
After Andalucia, my next stop was Valencia.
Valencia is a big city, yet it is laid-back and not overrun by tourists like in Barcelona or down south in Andalucia. It is also a very affordable tourist destination. Hotel prices, like in most of Spain, are rock-bottom, but even more value for money here.
Torres de Quart is the western gate into the historic centre of Valencia. This one is free to ascend, and there are few big buildings in the neighbourhood to block the view.
Strangely, there were barely any tourists admiring the view with me. Perhaps they were still enjoying the siesta.
From the tower, I walked towards the old riverbed.
Iglesia del Carmen is located a block behind the riverbed with a large square set in front. Next door, a museum has also been set up around the historic site.
Torres de Serranos seems to be more centrally located than its western counterpart. The structure is quite similar, with the solid side facing out and an open side facing in. Construction began in 1392 in the Gothic style.
The old riverbed is now a green space with sports facilities and parkland.
The open side faces south and into the city. The design was meant to expose the enemy in case they take hold of this defense structure.
Estacion del Norte is a modern building from 1917, which was a bit surprising. The station hall is very traditional with all sorts of patterns and colours. The concourse, however, is less historic and looks just like any other train station.
Mercado Central is Valencia's version of an architecturally-interesting grocery store. Most of the action takes place in the morning, and the market is closed by 3pm.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the city's political heart. The attraction is the civil disobedience protest that has taken over the open space.
The full set : http://www.globalphotos.org/valencia.htm
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