Porto Barcelona Day 21 - Third Day in Valencia

After 2 nights in Valencia we were used to the commuting system taking its metro connection from our lodging via tram and subsequently 2 connections to downtown Valencia. Marimtim - Serreia Station is the last metro station and nearest to us.

The underground transport system and tram are run by Metrovalencia, and consisting of 9 lines. Each ticket enables passengers to switch between metro, tram and bus lines. Alameda Station is famous for its architecture and the nearby Turia Gardens. Bicycles may be taken aboard.

Ending the train ride at Alameda Station and we headed westwards to commence our exploration for the morning.

Puerta de la Mar Plaça de la Porta de la Mar, A replica of a historic city gate, this ornate monument honors victims of the Spanish Civil War it is located at GPS :  39.472119, -0.368672

It was a Saturday where a morning local crowd was seen with music in the air and family bonding time on a weekend in Valencia.

The vicinity of the Valencia City Hall at the Modernisme Plaza which was the transformation of the square of the City Hall of Valencia by Javier Goerlich in 1931, now in its site is the current Plaza of the City Hall and its fountain. GPS : 39.470392, -0.375973

Riding through the Carrer de les Barques, a kind of a shopping street with old tradition buildings such as hotel as seen here in this picture. The wrought iron found at the canopy and balcony in front of the hotel simply looks elegant.

I like the lush greens of the huge palm trees together with the old charming buildings along the street.

A closer view of the majestic traditional architecture.

We found ourselves at Biblioteca Pública Provincial The Public Library of Valencia, which is the main library of the city of Valencia. It was founded in 1838. 

The libraryt was relocated to its present location in 1979. 

This building was the former Hospital for the poor and its location is at GPS : 39.469803, -0.382639 

We were having fun taking images with the strong sun ray & shadow.

A typical Spanish mailbox in striking yellow in colour where we found the second remain tower of Valencia.

Torres de Quart at Plaça de Santa Úrsula,  GPS : 39.475782, -0.383757. Twin gothic-style defensive towers that were built in the 1400s as part of Valencia's city wall. Notice the pockmarks caused by French cannonballs during the 19th-century Napoleonic invasion.

The Quart Towers were a part of this old Christian city wall build in the 14th century but the towers are from the 15th century. 

The exterior of the monument still shows signs of the bombardments suffered during France's siege of the city in 1808. The building has been used through the centuries for different purposes, from women prison to a military prison.

Leaving the Quart Tower into the "walled community" on the narrow street of carrer de Quart.

As we inched into the interior, the architecture changes as it changed over the centuries resulting a mixture of different architecture from different eras.

The street remains narrow just as good for horse carriages and people to use in the olden time.

We were then back to the Central Market of Valencia, by then we were hungry and looking for a place to chill and fill our stomachs.

Some of the many souvenirs sold at the market place.

A meal with paella and beer was good and feeling refreshing at one of the food stalls out the market.

While our Bromptons were safely tucked by the side next to us.

Time to move on and punching through the many narrow crowded streets of Valencia.

A bit of window shopping as we went through a covered corridor.

Once again passing by the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts, a building highly decorated on the exterior.

Heading back towards Turia Gardens for a next stop.

As we maneuvered towards the City of Science and Arts we stumbled into Gulliver Park. A huge 70-meter-long attraction featuring Gulliver from the story of Gulliver Travels. This is one of the most popular playgrounds in the city, perfect for you as well as the kids. This playground is a large-scale Gulliver, lying on the floor with his clothes and his hair forming ramps, slides and stairs.
GPS : 39.462449, -0.359950

Taking a link from Turia gardens to the Science Center.

It was back to Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia the opera house and cultural centre once again covering corners that we might have missed out during our last visit.

L'Umbracle is part of the City of Arts and Science complex and it is a sculpture garden and landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia such as rock rose, lentisca, romero, honeysuckle, bougainvillea and palm trees. 

It harbors in its interior The Walk of the Sculptures, an outdoor art gallery with sculptures from contemporary artists (Miquel from Navarre, Francesc Abbot, Yoko Ono and others). 

The Umbracle is a space that houses numerous sculptures and surrounded by nature. It was designed as an entrance to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Agora is a multi purpose building designed by Santiago Calatrava which is also part of the City of Arts and Science complex. The building has a height of 80 m and occupying a floor area of 5,000 m2. Depending on the configuration of the space, a maximum seating capacity for 6,075 people can be reached.

Time to head back to the apartment for a rest.

 

Last minute we decided to explore the port near where we were staying before we go back to the apartment. A monument at at round-bout GPS : 39.459850, -0.332343 close to a marina or rather known as Puerto de Valencia.

Once a historic harbor, now blended with a new ideas for creative space and usage.

There is a swimming pool, space for car race and many more usage and events that could held at this beautiful water front.

We left Valencia at midnight on a coach to Barcelona. Another night sleeping in a bus while the next adventure was lining up for us to embark. See you again and cheers.