Table of Contents
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella owes its name to the district that revolves around the birth of the city of Valencia, as well as the growing expansion after the Christian conquest. It is what we would call “old town” and from where, over the centuries, it has been expanding. It borders on the north with La Zaidía, on the east with El Pla del Real, on the southeast with Ensanche and on the southwest with Extramurs. It consists of a six neighborhoods: La Seu, La Xerea, El Carmen, El Pilar (formerly known as Velluters because of the important silk trade in Valencia), El Mercat and Sant Francesc. La Seu, the oldest neighborhood of Cap i Casal, is what many scholars say roughly matches the city limits of the Roman colony, “Valentia Edetanorum”, as well as being the center of the Andalusian Balansiya (Roman Urdu for Valencia). La Seu got its name because that is where the Cathedral is located. El Carmen is one of the neighborhoods that grew between ramparts, the Muslim Wall (11th century), built by Abd al-Aziz ibn Amir, who confined it to the east; the Christian Wall (14th century) which protected it from the west. To better understand its history, we recommend one of the best books on “El Carme”, by Rafael Solaz Albert (click here). In this district you can see the remains of the walls of Valencia which marks the Christian Wall as well as the boundaries of the current district (well almost, since there are additions, as you can see in the map below – a comparison between the map of the district and the one of the walls. Thus making, Ciutat Vella the most significant district and, perhaps, the most emblematic of Valencia.
El Carmen
El Carmen is one of the neighborhoods in the Ciutat Vella district, Valencia’s historic center. Situated between the Muslim wall to the east and the Christian wall to the west, it showcases an array of fascinating monuments and buildings. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Torres de Quart, Torres de Serranos, Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), the church of Carmen, and the painter’s house-museum José Benlliure. With its vibrant atmosphere, El Carmen is a popular destination for young people in Valencia. However, due to its narrow streets, parking and driving can be challenging, making public transportation, especially buses, the recommended mode of travel.
Benefits:
- Lively neighborhood with numerous shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and terraces
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
- Proximity to historical landmarks and attractions, such as the Torres de Quart and IVAM
- Convenient access to public transportation options
Drawbacks:
- Difficulty in finding parking spaces
- Relatively small and expensive apartments
- Noisy and festive atmosphere during weekends
El Mercat
El Mercat is the most central neighborhood within the Ciutat Vella district of Valencia. It serves as the home of the Central Market of Valencia, making it a focal point for visitors and locals alike. The neighborhood boasts notable attractions like the Lonja de la Seda, church of Santos Juanes, and the original Plaza Redonda. With its lively atmosphere and a wide range of shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, El Mercat is a bustling hub for gastronomy enthusiasts. Due to its narrow streets, using public transportation, such as buses or the metro station Àngel Guimerà, is recommended.
Benefits:
- Vibrant district with a wide array of shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars
- Prime location in the heart of Valencia
- Proximity to major attractions such as the Central Market, Lonja de la Seda, and Plaza Redonda
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
Drawbacks:
- Limited parking availability
- Relatively small, dark, and expensive apartments
- Challenging to find affordable rental options
- Noisy and crowded atmosphere during peak hours
El Pilar
El Pilar is situated to the west of the Ciutat Vella district in Valencia. It has a historical connection to the silk industry and is also referred to as Velluters, reflecting the presence of silk craftsmen in the area. The neighborhood features a more organized and square layout compared to other districts in the area. Noteworthy landmarks include the Nuestra Señora del Pilar church. El Pilar enjoys good connectivity through the bus network, and the nearby metro station, Àngel Guimera, provides convenient transportation options.
Benefits:
- Excellent location, close to the city center, the botanical garden, and the Turia
- Offers a relatively peaceful atmosphere compared to El Carme
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
Drawbacks:
- Limited parking availability
- Apartments tend to be small, dark, and relatively expensive
- Some areas may require renovation
La Seu
La Seu is the oldest district in Valencia and is located in the northern part of the Ciutat Vella district. It is considered the political and spiritual center of the city, housing significant landmarks such as Valencia Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, Santa Catalina Church, Generalitat Palace, and the Cortes Valencianas. The area benefits from a well-connected bus network and is in proximity to the Colón metro station.
Benefits:
- Superb location, including the iconic Plaza de la Virgen and other major tourist attractions
- Relatively quieter ambiance compared to El Carme
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
Drawbacks:
- Limited parking options
- Larger apartments are rare and expensive
- Finding affordable rentals can be challenging
La Xerea
La Xerea is situated to the east of the Ciutat Vella district. It is known for its notable landmarks such as Santo Domingo Church, San Juan del Hospital Church, Glorieta Gardens, and Parterre Park. The neighborhood benefits from a well-developed bus network, and it is conveniently served by two subway stations: Colón and Alameda. The educational institutions in the area include Escolania Ntra Sra Desamparados and CEIP EL SOLDADITO.
Benefits:
- Close proximity to the city center and the Turia
- Relatively less vibrant compared to El Carme
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
Drawbacks:
- Limited parking availability
- Larger apartments are scarce and expensive
- Finding affordable rentals can be challenging
Sant Francesc
Sant Francesc is the largest and most populous neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Valencia. Located in the southern part of the district, it boasts several prominent landmarks including the Parque de la Cultura, the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), the Theater, the MuVIM (Valencian Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity), and the courthouse. The neighborhood enjoys excellent connectivity through the bus network, and there are three convenient underground stations: Colón, Xàtiva, and Àngel Guimerà. Educational opportunities in Sant Francesc include the prestigious IES Lluís Vives.
Benefits:
- Abundance of shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and terraces
- Presence of the spacious Parque de la Cultura
- Ideal for single individuals or young couples
- Convenient location close to the city center
Drawbacks:
- Limited parking options
- Apartments tend to be small, dark, and relatively expensive
- Finding affordable rentals can be challenging