What is the best time to do this self-guided walk?

The best time is weekday mornings starting around 10:00 AM. This allows you to visit the Central Market while it is fully active and ensures you have enough time to visit the monuments before they close for the afternoon siesta.

Is the Silk Route walk in Valencia wheelchair accessible?

Yes, for the most part. The main landmarks like La Lonja and the Silk Museum are accessible, though some side streets in the Velluters district are narrow and paved with traditional stone which may be slightly bumpy.

Is it worth visiting the Silk Museum in Valencia?

Absolutely. It provides the essential historical context for why Valencia became so wealthy. You can see historical looms, 18th-century silk garments, and beautiful traditional Valencian ceramics.

Can I see the Sistine Chapel of Valencia on this route?

Yes, the route ends at the Church of San Nicolás, which is famously known as the 'Sistine Chapel of Valencia' due to its massive and intricate Baroque ceiling frescoes.

What is La Lonja de la Seda?

La Lonja de la Seda is a late Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the city's silk exchange where merchants conducted trade, and it is considered one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in Europe.

Are there any entrance fees for the stops on this walk?

Most of the major monuments on this route, including the Silk Museum, La Lonja, and San Nicolás, require an entrance fee. It is recommended to check their official sites for current pricing and combined ticket options.

How difficult is the walking route through Velluters?

The difficulty is moderate. While the terrain is flat, there is a fair amount of standing and walking within the monuments themselves, covering a total distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

5

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step back into the 15th century and discover the golden age of Valencia, a time when the city was a Mediterranean powerhouse of trade and luxury. This self-guided walk leads you through the historic Velluters district, a neighborhood named after the velvet weavers who once filled these streets with the rhythmic clatter of looms. On this walking route, you will trace the journey of silk from the mulberry trees to the opulent halls of the Silk Exchange, uncovering how this precious fabric transformed a medieval town into a global commercial hub. The journey begins at the Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda, where the secrets of the weavers' guild were guarded for centuries. As you explore independently, you will transition from the narrow, atmospheric alleys of the silk workers to the grand scale of the Plaça del Mercat. Here, the contrast between the Gothic majesty of La Lonja de la Seda and the bustling energy of the market showcases the evolution of Valencian commerce. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about trade; it is also a visual feast of architecture and art. You will witness the UNESCO-listed spiral columns of the Silk Exchange and conclude at the Church of San Nicolás, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Valencia' for its breathtaking Baroque frescoes. For those seeking a walking tour Valencia experience that prioritizes flexibility, this audio walk allows you to linger at the sites that fascinate you most. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this route offers a deep dive into the legacy of the Silk Road in Spain. Experience the city's heritage at your own pace, away from the constraints of a traditional guided tour Valencia, and see how the threads of the past still weave through the modern streets.

Highlights

The historic Silk Museum and the legacy of the velvet weavers
The UNESCO World Heritage site of La Lonja de la Seda
The stunning 'Sistine Chapel of Valencia' at San Nicolás
Medieval commerce history at the Plaça del Mercat
Hidden plazas and atmospheric alleys of the Velluters neighborhood

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Museo y Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda

Start exploring with Zigway at the very heart of Valencia's silk history. This building, dating back to the 15th century, served as the headquarters for the silk weavers' guild, the 'Gremio de Velluters'. For centuries, this guild controlled the quality and production of the silk that made Valencia famous across Europe. As you stand outside, notice the transition from the Gothic foundations to the Baroque facade. Inside, the building houses incredible ceramic floors and historical looms that still function. This was more than just a school; it was the nerve center of an industry that supported thousands of families in the surrounding neighborhood, creating a legacy of luxury that defines the city to this day.

2

Plaça del Pilar

A short walk brings you to the Plaça del Pilar, a quiet square that captures the essence of the Velluters district. In the 1700s, this area was densely packed with nearly 4,000 looms. The architecture here is typical of the era, with tall windows designed to let in maximum light for the weavers working inside. Today, the square is a peaceful local favorite, often featuring a 'Falla' monument during the Las Fallas festival in March. Take a moment to imagine the constant sound of wooden looms and the smell of dye that would have once permeated this air, marking the daily rhythm of medieval commerce.

3

Plaça del Mercat

As you enter the Plaça del Mercat, you are standing in what has been the commercial heart of Valencia for over a thousand years. This open space was the site of medieval tournaments, public executions, and, most importantly, the city's great outdoor market. To one side, you see the Modernist Central Market, and to the other, the Gothic Silk Exchange. This plaza represents the shift from the small-scale weaving in the backstreets to the global trade that brought immense wealth to the city. It is a perfect spot to observe the layers of Valencian history, from the medieval trading floor to the 20th-century iron and glass architecture.

4

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

Begin your self-guided adventure into one of Europe's most beautiful Gothic buildings. La Lonja de la Seda, or the Silk Exchange, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built between 1482 and 1533. Its main hall, the Sala de Contratación, features magnificent helicoidal columns that rise like stone palm trees toward the vaulted ceiling. This was where merchants from across the Mediterranean gathered to strike deals and manage the maritime trade laws. The building was designed to look like a temple of commerce, signaling to the world that Valencia was a city of honor and immense riches. Don't miss the gargoyles on the exterior, which depict various scenes of medieval life and morality.

5

Iglesia Parroquial de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir

Concluding this walking route is the Church of San Nicolás. While the exterior appears as a modest Gothic structure, the interior is a breathtaking explosion of Baroque art. Often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of Valencia', it features nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes covering every inch of the vaults. These paintings, completed in the late 17th century, illustrate the lives of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr. The sheer scale and detail of the artwork serve as a final testament to the wealth and religious devotion of the merchant class who funded such projects during Valencia's commercial peak. It is a spectacular end to your journey through the city's golden age.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walking route typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This estimate includes about 120-180 minutes to explore the interiors of the Silk Museum, La Lonja, and San Nicolás Church at a leisurely pace.