Monuments

Seat of the Valencian Government, with Renaissance-style coffered and gold-beaten ceilings, and reminiscences of the Orient. The Salon de las Cortes (Parliament contains large paintings by Zariñena.

Constructed in the 14th century, El Miguelete is the belltower of the Cathedral.

A splendid late-Gothic building known as the Silk Exchange constructed by Pere Compte. Its famous hall with helicoidal columns ( 24Kb ) is now used for exhibitions. Of special interest is the ceiling of the Salon del Consulado, taken from the 15th century Casa de la Ciudad (Town Hall).

( 44Kb ) Constructed by Pere Balaguer in the 14th century, these impressive towers once formed part of the defensive walls of the city. They now contain the Maritime Museum.

This gateway was built by Pere Bofill in the 1 5th century providing access to the city from the west.

The modernist style Central Market is onc of Europe's largest covered market places, with a total area of 8,000 square metres.

The cathedral of the city is a compendium ol different styles: the Palau doorway is Romanesque; the Apostles doorway , the Chapel of lhe Holy Chalice, the dome and the Miguelete Tower ( 19Kb ) are Gothic; the presbitery and main doorway ( 28Kb ) are Baroque, with a few Renaissance chapels.

This basilica, named aiter the city's patron saint, is a traditional refuge for prayer. Its elliptical interior features a vaulted ceiling with a fresco by Palomino; the image of the Virgin is Gothic.