València’s Barrio del Carmen: Where the Vibrant Meets the Historical

Located in València’s Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is teeming with history but also showcases the vibrancy and laid-back atmosphere of modern life. Its open-air spaces, Gothic-style constructions, and arts and culture scene invite globetrotters from around the world to discover an exciting destination that keeps renewing itself while staying true to its past. Here are some things to consider looking at when visiting:

• Streets and public squares — From fragments of the Arab wall to the mixed media art that adorns many streets, this highly walkable neighborhood includes a taste of just about everything that defines València. The Plaza del Tossal is a perfect starting point to get to know the nightlife scene, while many other public squares are available for ordering a meal, taking a quick coffee break, or shopping.
• Serranos and Quart Towers — Originally erected for defense purposes and later used as prisons, these structures are located at different neighborhood edges. The Quart Towers served a valuable purpose during the early 19th century when they resisted attacks by Napoleonic troops. Damage sustained from cannonball fire is still visible.

  

• Cathedral of València — Built on the site of a former mosque, this building showcases a wide variety of architectural styles from different eras, mainly Gothic. Its Chapel of the Holy Chalice houses what many experts believe to be the Holy Grail from the Last Supper. Outside the Door of the Apostles, visitors can witness one of València’s oldest and best-known traditions: the Water Tribunal, in which eight elected farmers meet every Thursday at noon to rule on matters related to irrigation in the area. The Cathedral’s bell tower, known as El Miguelete, provides stunning views of the surroundings.
• Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir — Due to the quality of and historical value of its art, this site has become widely known by locals as the “Valencian Sistine Chapel.” Travelers marvel at the recently renovated frescoes on the ceiling, designed by Antonio Palomino and painted by Dionis Vidal in the 17th century.
• Institut València d’Art Modern (IVAM) ­­— Although the works of the sculptor Julio González (1876-1942) and the València-native painter Ignacio Pinazo (1849-1916) form the centerpiece of this museum’s permanent exhibitions, its total collection comprises more than 11 thousand pieces in total, primarily created during the 20th century. A new exhibition, scheduled to run until January 2024, focuses on the paintings of Juana Francés, a cofounder of the El Paso artist collective who later left the group and whose work was inspired by issues such as industrialization.

• Silk Exchange — This UNESCO-certified World Heritage site is part of the Mercat district, which neighbors the Del Carmen area. Once an important center for commerce, it is widely recognized for the beauty of its Gothic architecture and retains its sense of grandeur thanks to spaces such as the Sala de Contratación, with its high domed ceiling, naves, and columns. Just across the street from the Silk Exchange is the Central Market of València, which includes stalls with fresh produce, bread, seafood, and meats.

El Barrio del Carmen offers a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, making it a must-visit neighborhood for travelers in València.