Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The Gothic style building was built in between 1480-ish to 1548. A beautiful addition to Valencia’s architecture. UNESCO described it as an exceptional secular building in late Gothic style with aesthetically unique decoration. The building was used as oil trading in the 15th century that later developed into maritime trading and the silk exchange. The building complex comprises four parts: the Tower, the Sea Consulate Rooms, the Orange-tree Patio and the Hall of Columns.

The building complex comprises four parts: the Tower, the Sea Consulate Rooms, the Orange-tree Patio and the Hall of Columns. The Hall of Columns is perhaps the most astonishing area. It was built with amazing tall pillars and impressively designed ceiling.  The trading in the past happened in this hall – where merchants from all over Europe came and traded their goods. The exquisite hall was showing the power and wealth of the area during those periods. The hall was called as well as Sala de Contratación (trading hall).

The Sea Consulate Rooms located on the ground floor and first floor that can be entered from the Courtyard of the Orange Trees through outdoor stairs. The room on the ground floor was home to Trades Tribunal that dealt with trade and maritime affairs as according to ancient Valencia law. The rooms were designed with wooden crafted ceiling and blue canvas chairs in the Chambers area. Meanwhile, the room on the upper Chamber also has an impressive crafted ceiling. I am not sure which one I like best. They were impressively designed!

We went to the cellar area as well which was an empty room where usually the products were being stored.

Practical Information

Lonja de la Seda is located across to Valencia’s Mercado Central. The entrance is two Euro but it is free entrance for Valencia Tourist Card.

What to enjoy in this building complex is its architecture design and the history behind it. Unfortunately there were no information display boards about the details information in the historical areas/rooms within the.complex.  I can imagine if some visitors could feel lost during their visits.

Location:
Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, Old city of Valencia.
Opening Time:
Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 19:00
Sunday from 09:30 to 15:00