Valencia is a city that spans the ages.  Original residents in the 13th century were fishers who in time branched into mercantile trade with northern Europe.  The old city still bears witness to Valencia’s medieval roots, while the newer developments like the City of Arts and Sciences are stunningly modern.

We spent yesterday in the old city where we are staying and struck out for more modern neighbourhoods today.

First stop yesterday: the Catedral de Valencia.  My travel guide described it thus: “The structure of Valencia’s cathedral is unlike [other Spanish cathedrals] with a more subtle facade of plain stone.”  True, but the carving around the main door and on the tower is anything but subtle and makes up for any other lack of decoration. This ediface was built over the site of a former Visigothic cathedral that had been converted into a mosque by the Moors.  This Cathedral was consecrated in 1238 and must have seemed enormous in the midst of a small community.

Second stop:  the Mercado Central, one of the oldest European markets still running.  The building was constructed in 1914 and is a work of art in itself.  It houses almost 400 independent grocers.

This market is a cornucopia of comestibles!  How all these market stalls stay in business when there is so much competition under the same roof is beyond me.  Several sights caught my eye in particular.  Here are some.

As we wandered, two themes popped out at me.  First, bicycles are used creatively to attract shoppers.  Here are but two examples.

Second, murals are a common feature in Valencia, both on permanent walls and on temporary construction barriers.  Both bikes and murals make for interesting exploring.

A fine lunch of paella for which Valencia is renowned preceded a Spanish-style siesta.  All this touring and eating catches up with a girl now and then.

This evening, having recovered from our lunchtime paella, we dined on tapas at Casa Montaña, a cab ride away from our old city home.  The menu was a candy store of edible delights and beautifully illustrated as well.

We gorged on:

• peanuts
• bread
• pickled eggplant
• piquillo stuffed red pepper
• codfish croquettes
• marinated tuna
• tomato salad
• potatoes brava with spicy sauce
• goat cheese canapé
• broad beans (not my favourite!)
• tuna and potato salad

  

• triple chocolate cake
• lemon mousse cake

all washed down with a glass of cava and a bottle of Valencian red.

This first day in Valencia has been such a delight.  I can highly recommend this city for interesting sights and great food!

New Valencia in tomorrow’s post!  Adios for now.