The Bellini Apartment in Valencia

Canovas

The area Canovas has it’s name from the square Canovas del Castillo and is located in the end of the Avenue Gran Vía Marqués del Turia. It is very close to the biggest urban park in Valencia, El Jardín del Turia. After a catastrophic flood in the late fifties, the river Turía was divided in two at the western city limits. The water has been diverted southwards along a new course that skirts the city, before meeting the Mediterranean sea. The old course of the river continues, dry, through the city centre, almost to the sea.
The old riverbed, now called the 'Garden of the Turia' (Jardí del Túria/Jardín del Turia) has been transformed into a sunken verdant park of trees and flower gardens, landscaped ponds and lakes. It boasts cafés, climbing frames, football pitches, a skateboard park and many other sports facilities.  It allows cyclists and pedestrians to traverse much of the city without the use of roads.
The historical centre is located within 20 minutes walking distance. The Carmen is a neighbourhood that is over one thousand years old.  It grew up between the two city walls, with both Muslim and Christian influences. The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city.
The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of Gothic style, but contains elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados).
The wide open streets lined with orange trees and overlooked by the stunning buildings, makes Canovas one of the most elegant areas in Valencia.  Chic restaurants and bars with terraces abound.  Across from Gran Via you will find the impressive, tiled building of the converted Mercado Colon, now filled with restaurants, bars and sophisticated shoppers.  Just near here Calle Conde Salvatierra and Calle Sorni are home to many of the exclusive designer shops