Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) - one of the most famous architectural monuments of Valencia. This landmark is a collection of buildings in which the silk trade was conducted in the Middle Ages and is rightly considered a magnificent work of Spanish architects in the Gothic style, which is also characterized as Mediterranean or "southern" Gothic. Since 1996, the Silk Exchange is on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Construction of Lonja de la Seda lasted from the late 15th to the middle of the 16th century. All the necessary papers were signed back in 1469, but the land that was in compliance with all requirements was purchased only in 1482. After 16 years, the tower and the main building of the exchange, in which the Column Hall (Sala de Contratasson) is located, were erected. The project was managed by the architects Johan Corbera, Juan Iborra and Per Comte, who, in the development of the building plan, relied on the architecture of the exchange in the city of Palma de Mallorca. The construction of the remaining premises (garden courtyard and Consular Pavilion) was led by Domingo de Urteaga and was completed in 1533
The Valencian Silk Exchange can be safely mistaken for a medieval castle: it is these feelings that leave the battlements of the walls, facade decorations, immaculately proportioned windows and doors, beautiful relief paintings, coats of arms and Other details of the sculptural decoration peculiar to the Gothic style . The ghastly gargoyles on the roof that look at all with a sneer only strengthen this stunning similarity . Having the appearance of fairy animals, birds, monsters, human figures and mythological characters, gargoyles remind us of vices and virtues of our world .
Halls and towers of the Silk Exchange
The complex of buildings of the Silk Exchange includes four parts: the tower (where there was a chapel, as well as a prison for silk abductors and ruined merchants), the Column Hall, rskogo consulate and Orange patio
Main Hall Exchange -. Column - represents a stunner. It is divided by five rows of columns depicting the trunks of palm trees, and has a vault height of more than 17 m, which is intended to symbolize the sky. Near the walls on the floor, laid out from pieces of multi-colored marble, to this day you can read the rules of trading on the exchange in Latin.
Under the main hall is the Chapel of the Conception of the Virgin. Upstairs, to the prison, leads a spiral staircase. Through the luxurious door from the Hall of Columns you can get to the Patio de los Naranjos / Pati dels Tarongers, a wonderful place where the shadow of cypresses and the fragrance of oranges create an atmosphere of calm and bliss.
It seems completely different Lonja de la Seda with the onset of twilight: installed on her backlight gives the building a truly stunning view. It's no surprise that tourists from all over the world come to Valencia to see this majestic beauty
Address and time of work
Loncha de la Seda or the Silk Exchange of Valencia is located on the Market Square (Plaza del Mercado, also Plaça del Mercat) in the historic center of the city, opposite the Santos Juanes church and the Central Market
The Silence Exchange of Valencia is open daily except Monday. From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:30, on Sundays and holidays - from 10:00 to 15:00. The entrance ticket costs 2 EUR. On holidays, as well as on weekends (on Saturdays and Sundays), the Loncha de la Seda complex can be visited free of charge
Prices are given as of 2012
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| Loncha de la Seda |
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| Stucco at Lonja de la Seda |
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| One of the halls, Loncha de la C yes |
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| Ceiling in Loncha de la Seda |
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| Vaults, Loncha de la Seda |