El Mercat Travel Guide

Valencia

The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet. In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set. It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia. The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet. In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set. It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia. The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
Every building has uniqueness in its own here.
With this endless summer we're having, any corner of the city seems a perfect place to rest and get your strength back! ☀️ ☀️☀️ What about this one?👆🏼👆🏼 The "Santos Juanes" church, in the market square. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Con este verano interminable que tenemos, cualquier rincón de la ciudad es perfecto para reponer fuerzas. ☀️☀️☀️ ¿Qué os parece este?👆🏼👆🏼 La Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, en la plaza del mercado.
All to be burned. Las Fallas de Valencia. Festival

Popular places to visit

Central Market featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

Central Market

4.5/5(285 reviews)

Shop for local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and cured meats, and watch local market traders at work in one of Europe’s oldest food markets.

Central Market
La Lonja showing a city and a church or cathedral

Silk Exchange

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Admire the late-Gothic architecture of the buildings that were once the center of Valencia’s thriving oil and silk trade.

Silk Exchange
The "Lonja" was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. 👆🏼Here👆🏼, the Trading Hall where merchants from all over the 🌎 closed their deals. They traded all sort of goods, but mainly silk, lots of silk!! It was conceived as a temple dedicated to the noble art of trading and symbolized paradise. The vaults represent the sky (they were even painted in blue with golden ⭐⭐️️). See all those columns? They are 17 mt high and do also have a meaning. Hint: 🌴. ✨BONUS✨: on Sundays and public holidays the entrance is FREE!! Yay! (Price: EUR 2) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• La Lonja se construyó en el siglo XV y es de estilo gótico. 👆🏼Esta👆🏼, es la Sala de Contratación y aquí, comerciantes venidos de todo el 🌎 cerraban sus tratos. Intercambiaban todo tipo de productos, sobre todo seda, ¡mucha seda! Se diseñó como un templo al comercio que simbolizaba el paraíso. Las bóvedas representan el cielo (antes, hasta estaban pintadas de azul con ⭐️⭐️ doradas). Y, ¿veis todas esas columnas? Miden 17 metros y también tienen su significado. ¿A qué os recuerdan? Pista: 🌴. ✨BONUS✨: los domingos y festivos la entrada es ¡GRATIS!

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Valencia with a stop at La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Plaza Redonda featuring markets and a fountain

Plaza Redonda

Experience the authentic character of Valencia at the handicraft shops, tapas bars and weekly market of this circular-shaped square.

Plaza Redonda
Malvarrosa Beach which includes a sandy beach, a city and night scenes

Malvarrosa Beach

4.5/5(189 reviews)

Swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the promenade and dine along the waterfront at one of Valencia’s most popular urban beaches.

Malvarrosa Beach
City of Arts and Sciences showing modern architecture and a city

City of Arts and Sciences

4.5/5(194 reviews)

Watch an opera performance, visit an interactive science museum and spot 500 species of marine life at this multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex.

City of Arts and Sciences

Top hotels in El Mercat

Hotel Primus Valencia

Hotel Primus Valencia

4 out of 5
Calle Menorca 22 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹9,416 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
₹9,416
₹10,358 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
Clean quiet room. Spa undergoing renovation and closed

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Hotel Primus Valencia
Only YOU Hotel Valencia

Only YOU Hotel Valencia

5 out of 5
PLAZA RODRIGO BOTET,5 Valencia Valencian Community
The price is ₹15,571 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
₹15,571
₹17,129 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
Great hotel in a good location. Staff were friendly, room was lovely and clean. Bed was comfortable. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Only YOU Hotel Valencia
Novotel Valencia Lavant

Novotel Valencia Lavant

4 out of 5
Avenida Pio XII 4 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹9,538 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
₹9,538
₹10,492 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Central Market and Bioparc Valencia Zoo are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (348 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Novotel Valencia Lavant
Mythic Valencia Hotel

Mythic Valencia Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Carrer del Poeta Monmeneu Valencia Valencia
Stay at this B&B in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (524 reviews)
Loved our stay here. Good value for money and only a short walk to the old town. Staff are friendly and breakfast is great too. What’s not to like?

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

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Mythic Valencia Hotel
Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

5 out of 5
Eugenia Vines 22-24 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹15,146 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
₹15,146
₹16,660 total
9 Feb - 10 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
The view of this resort is spectacular!

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

3 out of 5
Avenida del Puerto, 39 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹5,314 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹5,314
₹5,846 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (871 reviews)
Clean and easy check in

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around El Mercat

Valencia City Centre which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and a city

Valencia City Centre

4.5/5(659 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Central Market to Silk Exchange – discover Valencia City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Valencia City Centre
Convent de Sant Domenec

Ciutat Vella

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia to Silk Exchange – discover Ciutat Vella, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Ciutat Vella
Placa de la Reina

La Seu

If you're spending some time in La Seu, Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza de la Reina are top sights worth seeing.

La Seu
Vue sur la Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire depuis la Plaza de la Virgen

Sant Francesc

While you're in Sant Francesc, take in top sights like Plaza del Ayuntamiento and jump on the metro at Colon Station to see more of the city.

Sant Francesc
Plaza del Carmen which includes heritage elements

El Carme

El Carme is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Plaza del Carmen and Centre del Carme.

El Carme
The exterior of the Ceramic Museum in Seville is gorgeous.

La Xerea

If you're spending some time in La Xerea, Puerta del Mar and Turia Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

La Xerea

El Mercat Travel Guide