Cities Tourism Guide - Art Museums Valencia

Museo de Bellas Artes & IVAM - Art Galleries Valencia Museums Valencia Spain

Valencia has a huge number of museums and galleries, all listed extensively on the Valencia City webguide linked right. If you've just time for a few the Museo de Historia de Valencia, the Fine Arts Museum, the IVAM and the City of Arts and Sciences are where to head first. Valencia's Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) sits just to the north of Valencia centre on the edge of the Turia Gardens. (nearest Metro Pont de Fusta/Blue Line 4). Housed in the historic San Pio V College dating from 1683, the venue was designed by the same architect who created Valencia's cathedral, Juan Bautista Perez Castiel. The art collection held here is extensive, including an exhibition of the Valencian Primitives from the 14th to 16th centuries - here you'll find work by Nicolau, Reixac and Jacomar.

As you'd expect here, Valencian artists are extensively represented including work by Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923). Sorolla was born in Valencia, and his work is similar to that of Singer Sargent, but it's the distinctly Spanish light you see in his fine landscapes and social scenes, some of which are depictions of Valencia, for example 'Beach at Valencia (1908). Certainly influenced by Velazquez, Sorolla early on spent hours of study on the masters in the Prado during time spent in Madrid. Velazquez, El Greco and Goya are all represented here too at Valencia's superb Fine Arts Gallery. See weblink right for opening times.

Museo De Bellas Artes De Valencia (Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia), San Pio V, 9; 46010 Valencia, Spain. Tel. (00 34) 963 870 300.

Valencia's Contemporary art gallery is to the North west of the centre, easily walked (or cycle) to through Parque Jardin Del Turia from the Fine Arts Museum (or Metro to Turia and walk down). Established in 1984, contemporary art held here includes work by sculptor Julio Gonzalez and more work by Joaquin Sorolla as well as Pinazo. The photography collection here at the IVAM is a particular highlight. Checkout IVAM's weblink right for full listings and current temporary exhibitions. Valencian Institute of Modern Art - IVAM, Guillem de Castro, 118, 46003 Valencia Spain. Tel. (00 34) 963 863 000.

Valencia Town Centre, Valencia Cathedral, Valencia Parks & Gardens, Valencia Beaches

Valencia's centre around the cathedral, Plaza de la Virgen (once a Roman formum) and Plaza de la Reina is compact and easily explored on-foot. (visit the main Valencia Tourist Information Centre on Plaza de la Reina for good city centre maps and museum guides. Pick-up your Valencia City Tourist Discount card here too!). Valencia Cathedral is a good place to start with its mish-mash of styles including Gothic Capilla del Santo Caliz, dome and tower plus Romanesque Puerta del Palau. Visit the Cathedral's museum and head to the north La Capilla de San Francisco de Borja where you'll find two works by Goya.

There are numerous historic buildings of interest around the Cathedral including the Palau de la Generalitat - Gothic and dating from the 15th century and home to the Valencia region's government. See also the Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados in Plaza de la Virgen. Just to the south on Plaza del Mercado you'll find the World Heritage site of the Gothic Lonja and the Modernista covered market. Good shopping round here around Mercado de Colon which has numerous boutiques and cafes.

Valencia benefits from a stunning selection of gardens and parks. The best is the Jardines del Turia which winds around the city centre, occupying what was once the riverbed. Cycling, jogging and walking are all popular. You can hire bikes from the City of Arts and Sciences and cycle its full stretch. Other gardens include the botanical gardens west of the IVAM and Jardines del Real or Los Viveros which is home to the Natural Science Museum and a little zoo. See the Valencia City Centre webguide right for more information on Valencia's parts and gardens, plus natural parks within Valencia's surrounds.

Valencia's crowning glory are its superb beaches, most of which are blue flag and easily accessible from the centre via Valencia Metro. Valencia offers 28.km of beaches in all, well services with facilities and adjacent cycle path. A Paseo Maritim runs along main central beaches Arenas and Malvarrossa. (see the Valencia City Webguide right, and beach map for details). Valencia's marina harbour area has also seen some sprucing up recent after playing host to the America Cup in 2007 (see weblink right for details). Nearest Metro Stations are Las Arenas/Line 4 and Eugenia Vines/Line 4. Regular ferries operate from Valencia Port to Ibiza and the Balearic Islands. (see Ferry booking weblink right for details). Valencia ferries run direct to Ibiza, Palma and Mahon/Menorca's capital.