Plaza de la Virgen is located in the heart of the beautiful old town of Valencia. Watch the impressive buildings surrounding the plaza and take a look inside! A place of residence for many pigeons, but also a place with lots of culture and many stories. Relax on a terrace with some delicious tapas and sangria while you enjoy the view of the historic buildings and watch the street performers. A real architecture lover? Be sure to pay a visit to this beautiful place, you will definitely enjoy visiting the historic buildings!
Back in time
Plaza de la Virgen dates back to the Roman history, in the heart of the old town you can have a look at the history of Valencia. This busy plaza full with street performers and terraces was once the forum of Roman Valencia. In the centre of Plaza de la Virgen lays a beautiful fountain named Fuente Del Agua de la Acequia. This fountain was built in 1976 and was made by the sculptor Manuel Silvestre Montesinos. The lying figure in the fountain represents the Río Turia, a Spanish river that has its origin in the Montes Universales. The river is very important because it provides water for rice, oranges and olives. Around the figure representing the Turia river lie eight naked women. They represent the eight main irrigation channels flowing from the Turia river.
Tip: buy the typical Valencian delicacy in one of the pastry shops: fartons. And even better: drink a horchata with it! This is a typical Valencian drink. Sit at the edge of the fountain and enjoy the liveliness of the plaza!
Pay a visit to…
Plaza de la Virgen is surrounded by beautiful and historic buildings. Take photographs and have a look at these special places, inside and out!
The cathedral and El Micalet
The cathedral is the mother church of the Christian community in Valencia. The construction of the cathedral began in 1262. Two centuries later, when the Arabs captured Valencia, there was a large mosque situated on the spot of the cathedral named: ‘the mosque of Balansiya’. The cathedral itself is an impressive structure. You can see a variety of architecture styles including gothic, baroque and renaissance.
Climb the octagonal bell tower El Micalet which belongs to the cathedral. Since the end of the 15th century this bell tower has been connected to the cathedral. Besides whistleblowing this tower was used for lighting fireworks, signalling possible storms or invasions. Each tune that the bells made had a different meaning. Have you reached the top after climbing the more than 200 stairs? Then enjoy the beautiful view over the city and don’t forget to take some pictures 😉 Even if you are not religious, it is worth making a trip to the cathedral and El Micalet when you visit Plaza de la Virgen!
L’Almonia
When the city was founded by the Italian soldiers in Roman times they named the city: ‘Valentia Edetanorum’. In the archaeological centre of L’Almoina Centro Arqueológico you can see the entire history of the city of Valencia since the Italian soldiers founded it.
One of the doors of the cathedral opens onto Plaza de l’Almoina and is called “La puerta de l’Almoina” which means the door of Almoina. It is thought that there are still remains of a Visigothic cathedral dating from around the year 527 underneath the cathedral. Admire and learn more about the history of the beautiful city by visiting L’Almoina!
Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
The basilica stands next to the cathedral. The royal chapel of the Virgen de los Desamparados has been a basilica since 1872. It was built in 1652 by Diego Martínez Ponce de Urrana. The Virgen de los Desamparados is the patroness saint of Valencia. The basilica of Plaza de la Virgen was made in honor of her. The day Valencia commemorates the Virgen de los Desamparados always takes place on the second Sunday of May. At this special day there is music, fireworks and typical Spanish dances. During the festivities, the inhabitants of Valencia honor the patroness. Also during Las Fallas, the biggest festival in Valencia celebrated in March, a giant statue of the virgin is installed at the square and her cloak is made with flowers brought by the falleros of all Fallas associations.
Tip! Would you like to visit more special attractions of the city centre beside this beautiful plaza? Through this fun digital walking route you will discover all the highlights!
Time to eat!
Are you hungry from visiting all these beautiful spots in Valencia such as Plaza de la Virgen? No worries, there are plenty of nice and cozy restaurants around the plaza!
Crêperie Bretonne Annaick
Hidden in a small alleyway next to the cathedral you’ll find this café which serves high-quality, traditional crêpes. It is definitely recommended to take a look inside at the special interior including a large red bus! You can sit inside, but you can also enjoy the delicious crêpe while you walk around the beautiful Plaza de la Virgen.
Address
Bordadores 6
46001 Valencia
Website
Opening hours
Monday until Sunday: 13:30-16:30 and 20:30-00:00
Saona
With a Balearic decor and nature accents, Saona is a modern lounge situated at Plaza de la Virgen. The modern lounge serves amongst others delicious chicken teriyaki, patatas bravas and salads. In addition you can enjoy the sun on their charming terrace. You can satisfy your appetite with one of their delicious hamburgers as well! The restaurant has very nice menus! For only €9,90 you will get a three course lunch and for only €12,90 a three course dinner. This restaurant is also very well known among the locals! Book in advance, then you will know for sure that you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Adress
Plaza de la Virgen 8
46003 Valencia
Website
Opening hours
Monday until Friday: 08:00–02:00
Saturday until Sunday: 09:00–02:00
Brunch Corner
A yummy brunch and breakfast restaurant at the corner of the lively plaza, so you can enjoy your food with a beautiful view. Just by taking a look at the pictures, your mouth will already start to water. Your appetite will be filled with delicious smoothies, salads and pancakes!
Adress
Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar 1
46003 Valencia
Website
Opening hours
Monday until Friday: 08:00-20:00
Saturday: 09:00-20:00
Sunday: 09:00-16:00
Café Las Horas
This cozy café is known as one of the nicest drinking spots in Valencia! This is the place where culture, music and hospitality come together. Café Las Horas opened its doors in 1994 and attracts audience from all over the world. The place is beautifully decorated. Here you can enjoy coffee, but also delicious cocktails such as Aqua de Valencia. Salud!
Adress
Carrer del Comte d’Almodó 1
46003 Valencia
Website
Opening hours
Monday until Sunday: 10:00-02:00
Tip!
Are you at Plaza de la Virgen? Then visit Torres de Serranos or Plaza de la Reina as well!
