Welcome to Valencia, Spain (Part 2)

SERRANOS TOWERS ( Torres de Serranos)

This is considered to be the largest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe and was once the main entrance to the city in the long-since destroyed walls. They are both pentagon-shaped connected by a common gallery and decorated with gothic designs on the borders.

From the top of the building, I enjoyed an amazing and splendid views of the city. I have a fear of heights so I was very careful not to look down. You can really tell that it is a century old building as the walls are somewhat riddled with bullets.

This is now open to the public and is also used for different official ceremonies of the City.

VALENCIA CATHEDRAL

Image taken from google

Valencia Cathedral is alternatively known sa Saint Mary's Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic parish church considered as one of the major monuments of Valencia located in the main centre, Plaza de la Virgen, next to the Virgen de los Desamparados Basilica.

Views from the outside of Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

Gothic architecture is the predominant style of this Cathedral. I heard some saying that the true Holy Grail is being kept in one of the cathedral's chapels but I have not yet seen it personally. Schedule of Masses is being posted at the door entrance. I noticed that the Cathedral or any other churches here in Valencia closes at lunchtime.

You can also light a candle inside the church and most of their candles are electronic. You drop a coin and voila, a candle will automatically light for you depending on the amount of coins you dropped. I just don't know how many minutes the candles will stay lighted. Just recently, a real candles which can be lighted with fire is being placed there.

BIOPARC VALENCIA

This is a 10 hectare (25 acre) zoo park. The concept of the zoo consists of immersing visitors into the animals and not the other way around. There are no traditional railings and cages, instead, it uses rivers, ponds, streams and rocks to separate visitors from animals.

I was amazed with all kinds of animals they have there. It is said that there are at least 4000 animals and I was totally submerged in the wild habitats that have been recreated. I've seen animals which I've never seen before and can't help but wonder and appreciate God's creation.

We went there in the morning and left late in the afternoon. I am planning of going back there just to chill and relax and be with nature.

LAS FALLAS

Fallas is a traditional celebration held every 15th to 19th of March in commemoration of Saint Joseph. As early as the 1st day of March you can already feel the spirit of Fallas with the beginning of Mascleta.

The first time I attended the Mascleta, I did not enjoy it. Mascleta is an organised pyrotechnical explosions. It was so full of noise, and the noise appears to wrap itself around you like a blanket. Your chest vibrates from the shock waves from the explosion. But I noticed that they were enjoying it and were even dancing to the rhythm of the pyrotechnics. I did not appreciate it much more that it is held at 2:00 in the afternoon. Nothing can be seen from the sky except the smoke coming from the pyrotechnics. But just this year, I am actually beginning to like it and was even dancing just like the others.

There's a lot of things or activities during Fallas but I'd rather not elaborate on it further for it will take me weeks before I'll be able to finish doing this. Just visit Valencia so you can see it for yourself.

These are just some of the interesting places that you should visit when you are in Valencia. And before I forgot, don't forget to taste the paella.

PAELLA

Paella de mariscos

One of the identifying symbols of the Valencians. Paella actually is a word used by Valencians which refers to all pans, including the specialised shallow pan used for cooking paellas.

Anywhere you go, you can always find paella. There are different types of paella, among others are:

1. Paella de verduras (vegetable paella)
2. Seafood paella (paella de mariscos)
3. Mixed paella (paella mixta)

There it is. I could have written more but I'd leave it up for you to discover. If you have been to Valencia, feel free to comment below and tell me more about your experiences/adventures.

Keep smiling everybody and remember that God is good all the time.