When it comes to architectural courses, students are often required to learn about the diverse styles of this ancient science practised across the globe. While, there are countless cities and towns featuring both old and new structures deeply influenced by different styles of architecture, the Spanish coastal city of Valencia is truly the most inspirational of them all.
The city is home to some of the most beautiful architectural structures, which have been responsible for it being selected as the World Design Capital 2022, by the World Design Organization. In fact, students from leading architecture schools in India believe that studying the structures in Valencia is a great way to enhance their knowledge and understanding of this science.
Understanding The Uniqueness Of Valencia
Given its strategic location, Valencia was an important port on the famous Silk Route, which resulted in the architecture of the city being deeply influenced by Roman and French styles of architecture. The city is a hodgepodge of architecture marvels ranging from timeworn Romanesque façades to castle-like Gothic commercial exchanges, ornate Baroque palaces, and resplendent Moderniste marketplaces. The city offers a real treat to lovers of great architecture as it presents a mesmerizing contrast of past and present styles through its numerous iconic structures. One way of truly enjoying the architectural diversity of this ancient city is by opting to explore it in accordance with its different phases as discussed below.
Golden Age Valencia
The Middle Ages are known as the golden age of Valencia, as the city thrived during this period, thanks to the booming silk trade. The La Lonja or Silk Exchange building perfectly reflects the glory of this era and has been declared a World Heritage Site. The main highlights of the building are the tall, twisting columns representing drapes of silk falling from the ceiling adorning its Great Hall. The building adjacent to the Silk Exchange and belonging to the same era is the marine merchant tribunal known as the Consulate of Seas. It features richly decorated ceilings on the upper floor and also has amazing gargoyles and unexpected decorations on its exteriors.
Valencia Of The Nobles
The old town section of Valencia is dotted with palaces and noble houses reflecting the beauty of Gothic civil architecture. These include The Cathedral, which is the most famous landmark of the city and features lavish interiors, including historic treasures. Another important structure belonging to this era is the Palacio delMarqués de dos Aguas, more commonly known as the National Museum of Ceramics. Decorated with incredible textures and colours, the museum exhibits ceramic artefacts from different periods and cultures. The exterior of the building features elaborate scenes of reclining Gods covered in lace and leaves.
Valencia Of Modernism And Art Deco
Some of the city’s most emblematic and most beautiful buildings including the Central Market, North Train Station, Colon Market, and Post Office are designed in the modernistic architecture style. The use of forged iron structures, integration of curved lines and the use of colourful tiles define this architecture style. In addition, the façade of many private buildings reflect the influence of the Art Deco movement, which also found its way into Valencia during this time. These structures can prove quite inspirational for students taking up modernistic architecture courses in India.
Valencia Of 21st Century
That fact that Valencia features ultra-modern structures along with those constructed in most ancient architecture styles greatly contributes towards its uniqueness. The most spectacular new complexes that dot the city’s landscape include The City of Art and Sciences, a planetarium resembling an eye and a museum that looks like a giant rib cage. These structures are as mesmerizing and beautiful as centuries-old ones that form an integral part of the heritage of Valencia.
