In the heart of Valencia, among its bustling streets and historical charm, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by curious travellers. Beyond the usual tourist destinations, there are secret, hidden corners that tell fascinating stories and hold unexpected surprises for those who venture to explore them.
It is these places that weave the true essence of the city, whisper its legends and awaken the imagination of those who dare to enter them. In this tour of Valencia’s 7 hidden places, we invite you to immerse yourself in a fascinating journey where every step takes you beyond the surface, into a world full of mystery, beauty and unforgettable emotions.
Secret corners of Valencia you won’t find in the guidebooks
Ready to find the hidden gems of the capital of the Valencian Community and reveal its unique and special charm? Read on!
Museum of Silence
Many people are unaware that in Valencia’s General Cemetery there is a very unique space called the Museum of Silence.
More than just a cemetery, this place stands as a true witness to the history and art that has marked the city. Through four fascinating routes, the museum reveals the rich heritage, history and culture of the cemetery.
Each of these routes allows visitors to discover the most important landmarks of the city through the most prominent figures who rest here. These include the palaeontologist Rodrigo Botet, the photographer Antonio García, Maximilià Thous, creator of the València Anthem, and the painter Tuset. Entering the Museum of Silence is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Valencia in an exceptional way.
The Valldigna Gateway
The Portal de Valldigna, located in the Carmen neighbourhood in Valencia, is a historical monument dating from the year 1400. This gateway, which has no gate, was built into the 11th century Moorish wall and served as a point of separation between the Christian city and the Moorish quarter. The gateway bears the name of the Monastery of Santa María de la Valldigna and opposite it was the abbot’s house.
Over the centuries, the Valldigna Gateway has undergone several restorations, the most recent in 1965. Today, the portal houses a reproduction of the original altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin, placed there in 1589.
This portal is not only a testimony to Valencia’s rich history, but also a reminder of the cultural and religious diversity that has characterised the city over the centuries.
The Jewish House
The Jewish House, located at Calle Castellón 20 in Valencia, is a residential building of notable historical and cultural importance. This building, constructed in 1930 by the Valencian architect Juan Guardiola, is an outstanding example of the Valencian Art Deco style. Its design incorporates architectural elements from various cultures and periods, including Oriental, Arabic, Egyptian, Hindu and Hebrew. The Star of David on the lintel at the entrance gives it its popular name, the Jewish House.
In its day, the Casa Judía served as a discreet meeting place for Valencia’s small Jewish community, where they celebrated their religious traditions. Although the building has undergone some modifications over time, it remains a valuable testimony to the Jewish presence in Valencia.
The Almirante Baths
The Baños del Almirante, located in the historic centre of Valencia, is a building of great historical and cultural value. Built between 1313 and 1320 by Pere de Vilarasa, a knight and jurist, during the reign of James II, these public baths followed the tradition of the Arab steam baths or hammàm. Despite having been built in the Christian era, their design and functionality clearly reflect the influence of Islamic architecture.
These baths, which were in operation almost uninterruptedly from the 14th century until the 20th century, served as an important social meeting place for the inhabitants of Valencia. Over the centuries, the Baños del Almirante have undergone several renovations and modifications, but have managed to retain their original character and charm.
Monforte Gardens
The Monforte Gardens, located in the Plaza de la Legión Española, are a green space of great aesthetic and naturalistic value away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This neoclassical garden, which occupies around 12,000 square metres, is home to a variety of marble sculptures, fountains, ponds and trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation.
Originally, the garden was an orchard belonging to José Vich, Baron of Llaurí, which was sold to Juan Bautista Romero in 1849. After the death of the Marquis, the garden passed to his wife, who bequeathed it to one of her nieces, married to Joaquín Monforte Parrés. This is the origin of the garden’s present name. Over the years, the garden has been restored several times, maintaining its neoclassical artistic layout.
The House of the Cats
La Casa de los Gatos, located in the Carmen neighbourhood in Valencia, is a peculiar miniature dwelling that serves as a refuge for the cats of the area. This charming construction was sculpted in 2003 by Alfonso Yuste Navarro, an artisan and sculptor, and is located on Calle del Museo.
The house, which stands out for its blue façade and its detailed elements, such as a sign for a fire insurance company and a photo of Charles Chaplin, is actually an entrance to the adjoining plot.
The Casa de los Gatos pays homage to a legend according to which, during the time of El Cid Campeador, all the cats in the city were ordered to be eradicated because they were considered to be a bad omen. According to this legend, only four cats survived this event. Today, the Casa de los Gatos is a popular monument that attracts both local residents and visitors.
The Red Farm
La Finca Roja, an iconic residential building in Valencia, was built in 1933 and is located in the Jesús district. Designed by architect Enrique Viedma Vidal, the building was inspired by the block concept of the Cerdá Plan in Barcelona. Also known as the beehive-house of the Jesús district, the Finca Roja was originally conceived as a social housing project. The building, which is reminiscent of Dutch architecture, is characterised by its red brick, hence its name.
Would you like to enjoy these secret and charming corners of Valencia? If so, we invite you to rent a flat in Mon Suites.
Our accommodation offers the comfort and privacy you need to explore the city at your own pace. From the iconic Finca Roja to the city’s many hidden treasures, Valencia has a lot to offer. By staying at Mon Suites, you’ll be in the heart of the city, with easy access to all these wonders. So why wait?
Come and discover the rich history and culture of Valencia with Mon Suites!
