Valencia can be visited on foot... and that’s exactly what we did on our 3rd day.
Valencia is the country’s third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona; it lies on the gulf that bears its name, along the central-eastern coast of Spain and at the mouth of the Turia River. Valencians commonly call it Cap i Casal.
It was named the European Capital of Sport for 2011 and the European Green Capital for 2024.
We started the guided tour at the city gate at the Serranos Towers (one of the twelve gates of Valencia, in Valencian Gothic style) and strolled through the streets, discovering: the Plaza de la Virgen and its fountain, the Seu (Virgin Square), the Basilica (it is dedicated to the Madonna of the Abandoned), the Cathedral (dedicated to the Assumption of Maria), and the Central Market (it may be considered as one of the largest markets for European products), etc.
The students then went on a treasure hunt while filming a video about eco-friendly actions to take in the city. Since lunch was free, we listened to our students’ wishes to try a Mexican taco restaurant: delicious!
Still on our own, we visited the splendid Church of San Nicolás de Bari (Sistine Chapel of Valencia)… a must-see for us ;).
Curiosity: On Mondays the church is closed and no visits are planned, but true believers and devout Valencians walk – on the third Monday of each month – from their homes to the church to pay homage to Saint Nicholas of Bari in a sort of procession/pilgrimage.
While the students did some shopping, the teachers then gathered for a break over a glass of Agua de Valencia at Café de las Horas, a typical, slightly rococo-style café.
Then we all took the bus home.
