La Lonja de la Seda

The Lonja de la Seda, in Valencia

The Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange, is a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture, listed as world heritage. The Valencia audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this exceptional monument, a witness of the commercial splendour of the town at the end of the Middle Ages.

The Gothic masterpiece of the Silk Exchange

The Lonja de la Seda is one of the finest civil Gothic buildings of Europe and the most prestigious monument of Valencia. Built at the end of the fifteenth century, it testifies to the extraordinary prosperity of the town at that time, when Valencia was one of the great centres of Mediterranean trade, notably that of silk. This building served as an exchange and a place of trade for the merchants. Its jewel is the Hall of Contracts, the Salón de Contratación, a vast hall whose high twisted columns, slender like palm trees, rise towards the vaults in a striking effect, symbolising the prosperity of trade. The ensemble also includes a tower, a courtyard with orange trees and the pavilion of the Consulate of the Sea, which settled the commercial disputes. The richness of the sculptures, the gargoyles and the decors illustrates the apogee of flamboyant Gothic art. Listed as UNESCO world heritage, the Lonja de la Seda is a must-see stop of the discovery of Valencia.

What to see

You admire the finest monument of Valencia, a civil Gothic masterpiece of the end of the fifteenth century, a witness of the prosperity of the silk trade, with its magnificent Hall of Contracts with high twisted columns slender like palm trees, its tower, its courtyard with orange trees and its sculptures, listed as UNESCO world heritage. The Lonja de la Seda is a jewel of Valencia. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Lonja de la Seda lies in the heart of Valencia, facing the Central Market, reachable on foot. The visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What is the Lonja de la Seda of Valencia?

The Silk Exchange, one of the finest civil Gothic buildings of Europe, built at the end of the fifteenth century and a witness of the prosperity of Valencian trade; its Hall of Contracts with high twisted columns like palm trees is a masterpiece, and the ensemble is listed as UNESCO world heritage.

Where is the Lonja de la Seda of Valencia?

In the heart of Valencia, facing the Central Market, in Spain.