The Vitry Apartment in Valencia

Ciutat Vella/El Carmen

The historical centre of Valencia is comprised of El Carmen and the commercial city centre - Ciudad Vella.
Among the most important monuments are Plaza Redonda, Torres de quart, Portal de Valldigna and the Iglesia Del Carmen. One of the main features of El Carmen are the holes in the massive towers of the Torres De Quart from the cannonballs used in the time of Napoleon. The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating back 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 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city.
UNESCO has recognized the Late Gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a World Heritage Site. The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station, Estación Del Norte, is built in art deco style.
The area is full of young people and lively bars.  This lifestyle in contrast to the backdrop of old stone buildings and hidden courtyards, huge wooden doors with high door-knockers (to be reached from horseback) gives the Carmen a unique charm.

In the city centre, to the south of the Carmen, you will find all the international high street shops and most well known brand names. The largest square is the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, which contains the town hall (ajuntament), a cinema that shows classic movies (La Filmoteca), and many restaurants and bars.You cannot miss the majestic post office with paintings on the ceiling.