Architecture of Valencia

For centuries, Valencia has managed to construct exceptional buildings that are a clear part of its history. Valencia is characterized by its mix of ancient and modern architecture that blends beautifully without losing its folklore. The city was really put on the map when the City of Arts and Sciences, ´Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias´ was born. As such, Valencia is frequented by those who are interested and lovers of architecture. The Gothic building ´La Lonja de la Seda´, a 15th-century silk fair has even won a place on the World Heritage List. Now and in the future, Valencia will continue to pursue modern architecture. This will continue to change the image of Valencia and amaze people.

• Valencian architecture is best known for its mix of various architectural styles.
• Santiago Calatrava is an architect and engineer from Valencia. Much of his work is visible around the world. He draws inspiration from organic and human forms.
• The City of Arts and Sciences is one of Valencia's main tourist attractions.

Valencia 's architecture and growth is in constant flux. This is reflected in the wide variety of architectural styles. From the historic downtown to the hip cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Throughout the city are buildings of Modern, Romanesque, Gothic,- Renaissance, Baroque, and many other architectural styles. The city is a mix of modern and futuristic styles such as the Bioparc zoo and the Valencia street circuit; these are paragons of modern architecture. These styles blend seamlessly with the combination of classical architectural styles such as Valencia City Hall. The best way to see these designs is to explore the city on foot. This way you can easily find the hidden gems in Valencia's small streets as well.

Spanish architecture is extraordinarily rich and distinctive. Therefore, Spain is also home to a number of great and famous architects. After Gaudí, the designer of the ´Sagrada Familia, comes Valencian architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the creator of the city of arts and science in Valencia. Calatrava was born July 28, 1951, in Benimàmet, formerly a municipality now fully integrated as an urban part of Valencia. He began his career by studying architecture at the Technical University of Valencia. He then moved to Zurich where he studied civil engineering at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.

Calatrava first received international acclaim through the bridge ´Bac de Roda´ in Barcelona. This was part of the 1992 Olympic Games. His designs are visible and recognizable all over the world because of his contemporary style. A style inspired by organic and human forms whose materials are selected with extreme care.

Valencia's modern architecture is visible in all its glory in the city of arts and sciences. Here there is a gigantic cultural center for culture and science that today is one of Valencia 's most spectacular sights. It is home to six unique and eccentric buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. Entirely dedicated to the arts and sciences, it also functions as a stimulus for visitors' minds. They can thus learn more about the various aspects associated with science in a fun way. For example, here stands the center for music and drama, better known as ´Palacio de las Artes´. A building 75 meters high and 40,000 square meters wide that houses four different spaces for opera, music, ballet, and theater performances. It was built in the year 2005. This striking building is characterized by the different staggered heights of the floors, which are reunited by an enclosure of two symmetrical concrete shells. In addition to the center for music and drama, it houses a science museum, the largest oceanographic park in Europe and much more. Today the City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most famous places in Valencia and is largely the sight of innovation in architecture in Valencia.