Our 1st full day in Valencia started a little later in the day and with 70° weather to boot. We had thought to go to the beach but plans were altered when we were told that everything would be closed on Thursday. Now, the weather has cooled by 10 degrees so we’ll see. Definitely a much bigger city than Granada and the glorietas are a little nerve-wracking to drive through but todo bien.

Our 2nd day involved walking around more of the historic area, finding some fun activities for the boys while taking in a little history.

Our last full day involved a short trek to Parque de Albufera to experience the birthplace of paella, stroll through the Turia and had lunch before making the 5 hour drive back to Granada.

Mercado de Colón, it used to be a public market in the center that was built in the early 1900’s.

Now, it includes dining, flower shops and artisan works.

The other end of the interior while decorated including a belen.

Finding appropriate seats was of the utmost priority when spotting this tree.

Why not change it up in more than one way.

This tree was massive!

As we were heading towards another experience we eyed the belfry tower of Santa Catalina.

And right across the way we encounter a place that was recommended to us. We tried the horchata and fartons.

Apparently this cafe has been around for a while and is beautiful inside with the tile accents everywhere. Zoom in!

The entrance to Catedral de Valencia and the plaza just in front was a shambles so I got up close and personal. It was built in the 1200’s over the top of an old Roman temple. At one time it was a mosque as well.

The entrance to Catedral de Valencia and the plaza just in front was a shambles so I got up close and personal. It was built in the 1200’s over the top of an old Roman temple. At one time it was a mosque as well.

The rear end of the catedral, the Gothic door of the apostles.

El Miguelete, the bell tower of the catedral. It used to be a freestanding tower and was later joined at the end of the 15th century.

Here is the ornate altar inside. There are a range of styles evident in this church such as baroque, romanesque and gothic.

Here is the Chapel de Santo Caliz where the Holy Grail can be found.

The interior of the chapel. I didn’t find any booby traps!

The Holy Chalice up close. Apparently, the top portion is the sacred relic that Jesus used to consecrate his blood. It is said that is made of a veined sardonyx agate that comes from a region between Alexandria and Syria.

There is also an archeological excavation below the church where there are remnants of Roman houses, a road and human remains.

Some intriguing artwork that Toren and Asher thought was really cool as we walk through the historic area.

La Lonja de la Seda, the silk exchange. Building started in 1492, hmmm.

This was the commercial space where deals were made.

The entrance into the contract hall from the patio.

Beautiful glass in antechamber connecting the trades tribunal to the trading area.

Facing the patio de naranjas the boys take a quick rest.

And now they’re off running towards oblivion.

The Trades Tribunal hall although I might be mixing it up with the other one.

This is actually below everything and was meant to be a chapel and the 2 upper floors were jails which were not available to see.

I believe this hall is the Consulado del Mar.

The view of the turret with a portion of the patio. So much that we don’t get to see.

Torres de Quart or at one time known as Torres de la Cal because the limestone came into the city through these gates. They were built in the 1400s as defensive gates and were a vital part in stopping Napoleon. Those pock marks are from cannon ball fire. This was also a women’s prison for a time.

Boys are gung ho to climb all the steps and to explore each of the areas.

Last little but to the top and interested view of what part of it looks like on the other side.

Another interesting piece of art that went on and on and on. The boys thought it was pretty cool for different reasons.

The Mercado Central de Valencia (trying to remember to use Spanish names instead of Valèncian as it can be confusing) is massive. The stalls for fish are sooo numerous I don’t understand how you decide which one to choose. What happened to Toren?

One entrance to the market with a little decor.

Right next door is Iglesia de los Santos Juanes.

The plaza behind the church is under reconstruction currently.

We found Bumblebee! Toren was all smiles and Asher had a hard time walking away.

Ayuntamiento de Valencia – This photo doesn’t quite capture the beauty of the tiles on the domes and other details unless you zoom a little more . City council has been based here since 1934.

The front entrance to city hall.

The marble staircase leading up to the 2nd floor with beautiful glass work above.

One of the assembly halls with a Belen at the far end. Gorgeous!

In the Plaza de Ayuntamiento there were Xmas stalls, ice skating and a carousel. This is 1 way to skate on ice. It was slow going.

Toren’s doing stunts folks! He saved this and loved it until those skates started to hurt.

Across from city hall is the Correos building. Oh and there’s the carousel. There are some beautiful postal buildings in Europe.

Estacion del Norte, this is the main railway station and was built in 1851. Anybody need a train?

Right next door is the Plaza de Toros.

This was a free slide just below the zipline and a ropes course off to the left.

Toren also did the ropes course. This is a pic of one section on the higher level. He said it was harder than he thought it would be.

This was recommended and it’s a traditional Valencian liquor called Cremaet that is served with coffee and burnt lemon. This had cremaet rum.

Getting out of the car in El Palmar.

Walking around the little pueblo before taking lunch.

Looking back towards the pueblo from afield.

Enjoying the view from the playground nearby.

Our Valencian paella which is the best I’ve tasted in Spain so far as I have not been a fan previously. Sorry, not traditional meat and we were starving so started digging in before getting a clean photo.

Plated and loved their take on the tinto verano.

After lunch we took in a paseo en barca in the lagoon.

Heading out into the large, open lagoon.

Heading out into the large, open lagoon.The guys are loving it or at least for that moment!

There were so many ducks everywhere and in large groups flying all over the place.

A boat in the distance while the sun sets.

We tried another recommended place for horchata, tasted fairly similar, but the fartons were definitely better at the other place.

A small caramel coffee.

So, on our way to lunch we passed the ice rink and they have to physically break down all the ice. Whoooowee, what a workout.

We had lunch at Ateneo and purposely arrived before the lunch crowd.

Beef cheeks, so tender.

The view from Ateneo over the plaza.

Entering Jardin de Turia. This is actually an old riverbed that goes on for quite a ways. The city turned it into a green, park space after diverting the river to avoid flooding in the city.

Inside the Turia.

Checking out the Torres de Serranos before heading back to the car.