Lonja (La), Valencia

I visited La Lonja on a walk through Valencia market district. I expected it to be similar to the central market building but as we crossed the road I realised this was something different. La Lonja (market of silk merchants) is one of the best civic Gothic buildings in Europe. The enormous hall was used until recently as a trading area. It is lined with carved desks and stools. The guide pointed out how each desk had the name of the families who traded there. There are serveal slender pillars which open up like palm trees to form the vaults. The foundations go down 17 ft beneath ground level. It is definately worth a visit. It is in contrast to the central market which is bustling with traders and food groceries. In La Lonja you can imagine what it must have been like. It is still used now and then for civic functions but it is best to go when it is not in use. The architecture on the front is decorated with amusing sculptures and gargoils. Unfortuately the guide was keen to move us on so will have to go back at some point. Definately worth a visit.