Valencia Audio-Tour: Legenden und Pracht in den Straßen von Sant Francesc

You’re now standing in front of the Municipal Historical Museum of Valencia-don’t let the grand building fool you, this place is hiding some of the juiciest secrets and legendary objects from Valencian history! Imagine it: right here, in the heart of the city, the silent walls are bursting with stories, treasures, and even a paintbrush or two that belonged to some of Spain’s most famous artists. But let’s go back to the beginning, because every great mystery starts with a dash of drama. Picture the year 1238: swords clashing, banners waving, and King James I storming into town to transform Valencia from an Islamic capital into a Christian stronghold. That’s when the city’s archive was born-a humble beginning in a cluster of houses just behind Valencia Cathedral. Yes, the city was already planning for the future, with meticulous records and precious objects being tucked safely away. It’s like they invented the cloud, only with more parchment and fewer passwords. With time, the archive outgrew its home-just as your phone fills up with too many selfies. So, in 1311, the City Council bought land at the start of Caballeros Street and built a new palace. This would be archive HQ for centuries, hosting not only documents but also dazzling relics of the city’s colorful past. Fast forward to the 19th century, the city grows, paperwork piles up, and-wouldn’t you know it-the old palace is falling apart faster than a soggy churro. They needed a new spot, pronto! After searching high and low, they picked the Royal House of Teaching, a school founded in the 1700s. Moving in wasn’t exactly a quick job; it took decades, and wasn’t properly finished until 1934 when they finally secured the whole building and even nabbed the adjacent church of Santa Rosa de Lima. On entering the museum, the first room greets you with the city’s evolution-imagine old maps stretching across the walls, from Father Tosca’s intricate streets of 1704, to Antonio Mancelli’s earlier vision from 1608. It’s a visual timeline that lets you walk through Valencia’s transformation with each careful line. Right next, you’ll see some truly quirky highlights: a portrait of King Ferdinand VII painted by Vicente López, books from the famous botanist Antonio José Cavanilles, and-wait for it-a paintbrush straight from Joaquín Sorolla, the master of Mediterranean light. In the next hall, it’s all about books-rare volumes gifted by José Enrique Serrano Morales, plus 46 engravings capturing snapshots of the city across centuries. If walls could talk, these would gossip about everything from royal visits to neighborhood festivals. The Sala dels Furs is a sight to behold, draped in stunning murals of ancient monarchs, lovingly painted by Ramón Stolz Viciano. Tucked in a neo-Gothic display case is the oldest printed copy of the Llibre dels Furs, the city’s first rulebook-a medieval manual on how not to annoy your neighbors! Meanwhile, the Sala Foral within the old church dazzles with relics: the Royal Senyera (Valencia’s flag), the Banner and Trophy of the Conquest, King James I of Aragon’s own sword (imagine the clang as it was drawn! ), the keys to the city, and magical items like the reliquary of Saint George and the archangel Michael. If you listen very closely, you might just hear the whisper of old rulers, or maybe the turn of a page in a centuries-old book. Keep your eyes and your imagination open-because in this museum, every corner is bursting with adventure, drama, and a sprinkle of Spanish mischief!

You’re looking for a grand, stately building crowned with an unmistakable green emblem and the words “Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir”-it should be right in front of you, so keep an eye out for the university’s elegant signage and classical architecture amidst the busy streets. Now, let’s take a leap back in time-not too far though, so you won’t trip! Picture yourself standing before the university on a chilly winter’s day, December 8th, 2003, as bells ring to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. A new chapter in Valencia’s academic history is beginning, dedicated to none other than Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a man so enduring that even the Romans couldn’t get him to quit his faith. Now, try to imagine the buzz in the air, the proud faces of teachers and students, and the scent of old paper and new ambition mixing in the hallways. Of course, the story doesn’t start here. Oh no! Its roots stretch deep into the soil of Valencia, back to 1969, when Monsignor José María García Lahiguera, the archbishop of Valencia, had a dream. With a few religious friends and some sturdy faith, he launched the School of Teacher Education Edetania on November 3rd. Little did they know, they’d planted a seed that would become this sprawling institution. Fast forward to the disco days of 1974, Edetania becomes a Foundation, and by 1979, it’s teamed up with the grand old University of Valencia, gaining a sibling in higher education. Now, if you listen carefully, you might almost hear the echoes of footsteps inside-the shuffle of students across stone floors that date back to 1760. Here, in the city’s historical center, you’ve got the university’s bustling Valencia Campus, where medical students once honed their craft in the very same building that houses the Valencian Academy of Surgery. That’s right, future doctors and scholars brain-storming under ancient beams and beside classical windows! Today, these spaces serve as the very heart of the university, beating strong with rectorate offices and central services. Just a short stroll away, there’s the Santa Úrsula campus, which began life under the shadow of the Torres de Quart in 1605 as a convent, and still reveals its centuries-old charm, carefully restored. If you peek in, you’ll spot a serene garden patio and perhaps catch a whiff of coffee drifting from the cafeteria as students discuss lessons under the orange trees. But Valencia Catholic University is no ordinary school; we’re talking a network of campuses, from San Juan Bautista with its tranquil gardens and study nooks, to innovative spaces like Maqués de Campo, where digital art, economics, and business are brewed up by creative minds. It’s a place where tradition and technology meet, where you might brush shoulders with future doctors, artists, teachers, and business leaders, all under the watchful eye of Saint Vincent. And here’s something even more uplifting-if you come from a big family, the university helps with generous scholarships, dedicating a whopping €5.4 million to support students, ensuring that opportunity knocks on every door. With 26 undergraduate degrees, 58 master’s programs, 24 research institutes, and more volunteer programs than you could count on two hands (and several toes), this university is a swirling, ever-evolving adventure in education. So as you stand here in front of those storied walls, remember: you’re gazing at more than a building-you’re looking at centuries of ambition, faith, and new beginnings, all in the very heart of Valencia. I hope you enjoy this living chapter of history, where the next great story might just be waiting in the next classroom!

To spot the Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity (MuVIM), look out for a bold, modern concrete building with sharp angles, tall glass panels on top, and a striking metallic pergola by the entrance-plus some colorful banners on the façade. Step closer and let your imagination wander: you’re about to enter one of Valencia’s most intriguing meeting points between past and future! This isn’t just another austere concrete box-MuVIM’s design has actually won architecture awards, and standing out front, you’ll feel its deliberate, clean lines inviting you into a world of ideas. Before the 21st century, this patch of ground hid more than you’d guess. Picture it centuries ago, occupied by the Hospital de los Inocentes-the very first psychiatric hospital in history! Only the central section remains (now a library), but if you stroll across the museum’s sprawling gardens, relics and bits of the ancient hospital are hidden beneath your feet, silently whispering their forgotten tales to the curious. But it’s what happened here in recent decades that really sends sparks flying. In the late 1990s, a bold idea took root: let’s build a museum dedicated to the very things that shape how we think and live-Enlightenment philosophy, revolutions, science, the rise of modern life, and all those moments when someone’s bright idea shook up society. That’s why it’s called the Museum of Illustration and Modernity. Inside, you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibitions-the heart of it being “The Adventure of Thought,” a walk through five centuries of history, where characters like medieval monks, prim Victorian housewives, and eccentric researchers come to life through sound, light, and even costumed guides. But wait, there’s more beneath the surface-a layer of drama! In 2010, the museum found itself in the eye of a political storm. The director resigned after an exhibit of controversial photos was censored by the city’s politicians. Journalists, artists, and hundreds of supporters rallied in defense, demanding freedom of expression. Imagine standing here amidst the crowd, voices echoing off these concrete walls-a vivid reminder that the museum isn’t just a place to look at cool things, but a space where big ideas collide and conversation gets loud. Want to dive deeper? Slip into MuVIM’s library and you’ll find a treasure trove of books dating from the Enlightenment, old maps, rare engravings, and even a legendary collection donated by the Lambert family-imagine the crinkle of ancient pages, the dusty scent of centuries-old ink, and the soft hush of scholars leafing through stories of logic, revolution, and the lives that shaped the modern world. There’s even a detailed scale model of Valencia as it looked in the 1700s, hand-painted and glowing with fiber optic lights-let yourself imagine the city as Father Tosca, the genius mathematician, saw it while mapping out every block, church, and alley. And speaking of things hidden in plain sight, don’t forget to look for the medieval tower integrated into the museum itself! It’s a survivor from the times when this area was just beyond the medieval city walls, built to defend against invaders-but never quite finished, as if it’s still waiting for its own story to end. Today, MuVIM is not just a museum, but a lively hub for conferences, film screenings, hands-on workshops, and the ever-shifting exhibitions where you might find anything from comic book art, to photography, to the story of the Borbón family’s inventions. It even hosts wild clay stop-motion exhibits-yes, you’re looking at one of the few places where Enlightenment thinkers and modern cartoonists could meet over a coffee (or maybe a heated debate about whether robots will soon write all our jokes). So go on-step through those glass doors. You’ll mingle with brilliant minds from centuries past, challenge the status quo, and discover Valencia’s own journey from medieval murkiness to bright, modern spark. And who knows? If you listen closely, you might just get an idea or two yourself... or at least be inspired to visit the next stop with a bit more curiosity! To delve deeper into the the building, collections or the controversies, simply drop your query in the chat section and I'll provide more information.

The MuVIM Library stands out as a modern, bright space with high white walls covered in colorful posters-just look for a building with large, glassy windows and an open, welcoming vibe on Calle Quevedo. Now, let’s take a breath and step into the world of ideas-because you’re standing in front of a landmark dedicated to none other than human curiosity: the MuVIM Library, or as it’s officially known, the Biblioteca y Centro de Documentación del MuVIM. Opened in October 2004, this isn’t your average book fortress. This library is like a time capsule mixed with a treasure chest, guarding the secrets of Enlightenment thinkers, daring revolutionaries, and visionaries on a quest for modernity. Imagine, if you will, the buzz of excitement back in 2004 when the doors first opened. The collection brought together not just one, but three major troves of rare and fascinating works. Suddenly, there was a new hub where you could run your fingers over pages printed centuries ago, from treatises of the French Revolution and stories about Napoleon, to passionate debates between 19th-century liberals and their slightly grumpier rivals, the reactionaries. There’s even a collection of breathtaking views and prints from the 16th right through the 19th centuries-if only those old engravings could talk! But wait, there’s more! How about a stash of books dedicated to the history, culture, and society of Valencia itself? The Diputación’s General Library contributed a vibrant mix, so if you wanted to know what Valencia was up to in the early 1900s, you’re in the right place. And let’s not forget cartography: here, you’ll find maps that chart the changing face of the entire region across four centuries. You could practically set sail on a paper ocean and land in the past. And what’s a library without a bit of personality? Enter the Alfons Roig Collection, the private library of the artistic, philosophical, and slightly eccentric Father Alfons Roig Izquierdo. His passion for art, especially catalogues and exhibition manuals, fills the shelves with both wit and wisdom. I like to imagine him peeking out from behind a stack of books, giving a gentle nudge: “Psst! Have you seen this catalogue of surrealist cats yet?” Plus, in 2005 came another twist: the IVEI collection, filled with works shaking up the political and cultural world of the 1980s and 90s. Picture scholars and dreamers debating into the night over well-thumbed magazines and rare journals. Not enough mystery? How about the Lambert Library, acquired in 2014? This came from a family of well-traveled architects and art historians who split their time between Paris and Jávea. Everything from art to architecture sits within-imagine opening a book knowing it might have once rested on a desk in 1920s Paris, or with a sea breeze drifting in off the coast of Jávea. But the MuVIM Library is much more than a resting place for books; it’s a beating heart for exhibitions, research, and design in Valencia. Whether you need wi-fi, a place to think, or inspiration for your next big idea, you’ll find it here. So take a peek inside-and if you get lost in the stacks, just remember, every great story begins with “Once upon a library…”

To spot the College of High Silk Art, look for the grand cream-colored building at number 7 with beautiful wrought iron balconies, colorful ceramic tiles beneath them, and an ornate stone entrance topped by a dramatic sculpted relief and a cardinal’s hat right above the doorway. Now, step closer and imagine yourself in old Valencia, in the heart of the bustling Velluters neighborhood-named for velvet, not because they liked soft furniture, but because it thrived on silk weaving! Picture the year 1494: artisans, noise, the swish of looms, and-yes-a lot of well-dressed people. Here stood the headquarters of the silk guild, a building that saw the humble thread of a silkworm transformed into some of the city’s richest treasures. The story begins even earlier, though. You see, in the days of the medieval Taifa of Balansiya, locals were already weaving silk. The real magic happened later when Italian masters journeyed here and sparked a velvet revolution-literally! By 1477, silk workers had their own official guild, the Gremio de Velluters, with royal rules approved by Ferdinand the Catholic. Their job? To make sure Valencia’s silk was the softest, brightest, and-most importantly-genuine, because if you tried to cheat, they could burn your cloth right here! This impressive building began as a gothic home, its very walls resting on even older Islamic foundations. By the eighteenth century, it blossomed into the baroque masterpiece you see today, with ornate stonework, balconies of iron, and colorful tiles from the 1700s. If you look up, don’t miss the proud relief of Saint Jerome-the silk workers’ patron-above the heavy entrance, his cardinal’s hat crowning the doorway. Legend has it the hat is there because people once believed Saint Jerome was the first cardinal, and every dignified silk guild needed a little extra flair! Inside, the rooms whisper stories of fortunes made and lost, of the silk industry’s heyday-when silk transformed Valencia’s economy. Here, decisions were made that shaped commerce, culture, and even fashion. The grand Sala de la Pometa has a floor decorated with apples and pomegranates (no relation to the fruit seller’s guild, by the way). The Sala de la Fama, or Hall of Fame, is covered with tiles featuring exotic animals-elephants from Asia, caimans from America, leopards from Africa, and horses from Europe. The message was clear: Valencia’s silk was world famous. But the threads weren’t always golden. In the 1800s, disaster struck. Industrial machines started to hum, hand-weaving jobs dwindled, and the silk worms themselves fell victim to a horrible disease called pebrina. Suddenly, you could almost hear the looms falling silent. Workers, desperate and angry, erupted in protest in what became the Motín dels Velluters, right outside these walls-Valencia’s first great working-class revolt. The silk industry stumbled, and the neighborhood slid into decline. The building was battered by time and nearly collapsed, especially when someone thought building an underground parking lot next door was a great idea. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. But in the 21st century, a new fairy godmother (the Hortensia Herrero Foundation) waved a charitable wand, restoring the college and transforming it into the Museum of Silk you can visit today. Wander inside, and you’ll find more than historic halls: see a spiral staircase worn by centuries of hurrying feet, a chapel lined with glossy green and white tiles, and a spectacular baroque staircase with a lion clutching a cardinal’s hat (either Valencia’s bravest mascot or the fashion police, you decide). Don’t miss the old garden, now a peaceful patio shared with a café where you can sip something cool and imagine you’re the merchant king of silk. If you’re lucky, in the workshop at the back, you might catch the rhythmic rattle of a Jacquard loom weaving magic as it did centuries ago. And should you ever wonder where the secrets of this place are kept, know that its archive is the most important silk guild archive in Europe-hundreds of years of contracts, rules, and stories just waiting to be discovered. So take a good look around. Here, silk wasn’t just fashion-it was life, love, protest, power, disaster, and hope, woven into the very fabric of Valencia. And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave with a bit of that golden thread woven into your own story-just try not to spill coffee on it! Interested in knowing more about the building, file or the visits

To spot the Ateneo Mercantil de Valencia, just look straight ahead for a grand cream-colored building with tall, arched columns and several proud flags fluttering above the main entrance-trust me, its stately façade won't let you miss it! Alright, traveler, pause a moment and soak in the air outside this historic hub-we’re standing before one of Valencia’s beating cultural hearts. Picture the year 1879: the streets rattle with horse carriages and traders, the aroma of roasted almonds wafting from nearby stalls, and a group of determined gentlemen, led by Estanislao García Monfort and Eduardo Pérez Pujol, decide the city needs a new kind of gathering place. Not another tavern or a merchant’s guild, but a society for the everyday shop assistants-people who worked hard in the vibrant pulse of commerce yet thirsted for more learning and connection. And so, on March 23rd, the Ateneo Mercantil de Valencia was born - a place to nurture minds, spark creativity, and serve as the anchor for Valencia’s ever-curious spirit. Fast forward through decades, and you can almost hear the. The Ateneo quickly became more than a club for shopkeepers; it grew into Valencia’s civil soul, championing culture, education, and entertaining amusements of all kinds. From organizing trade schools to launching the city’s first stock exchange (wait, that’s more thrilling than it sounds, especially if you enjoy a dramatic hand-gesture-filled bidding war), the Ateneo kept pushing boundaries. But here’s a little suspense: Valencia in the 20th century saw its fair share of drama. The Ateneo threw its elegant weight behind landmark projects, like the mighty Regional Exposition of 1909-a massive event whose legacy includes that proud and playful Valencian Regional Anthem. Imagine crowds filling the square, bands playing, and banners fluttering with civic pride. Even during the Spanish Civil War, the Ateneo’s fate twisted and turned-renamed as the ‘Ateneo Popular’ and then, in the rubble of post-war years, shut down from 1939 to 1950. Yet, like a determined hero in a classic telenovela (maybe with a slightly messy mustache), it bounced back, declared of public utility and gold-medaled by the city itself. The story only grows richer. Let’s take a stroll-well, a mental one-into the library upstairs, where nearly 53,000 books are waiting, some as old as San Vicente Ferrer himself. The air smells of paper and possibility, and tucked among these tomes are priceless manuscripts, centuries-old newspapers, and more stories than any one person could hope to read in a lifetime. The Ateneo’s pinacotheca even shelters paintings once owned by the photographer Antonio García Peris-a man legendary enough to be Joaquín Sorolla’s father-in-law! Oh, and guess what? The legacy is modern and bright, too. For the first time in 2013, a woman-Carmen de Rosa Torner-took its helm, leading the institution with a lawyer’s cleverness and the heart of someone who believes in public service. She’s brought new life, digital pizzazz, and a global mindset to the rooms where gentlemen in top hats once debated the price of oranges. Today, the Ateneo Mercantil is bursting with events-art exhibitions, language classes, lectures, and more coffee-fueled meetings than your favorite café. Its doors are open to almost 4,000 members, and plenty of outside groups rent its stately rooms for festivals, conferences, and, I’m told, the occasional impromptu dance. So, as you stand here, feel the lively pulse of history under your feet! This isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a time machine, a living testament to Valencia’s creativity, solidarity, and stubborn belief that every single citizen’s dream matters. Now, who’s up for joining a century-old club? Don’t worry-membership doesn’t require you to recite Latin or wear a powdered wig, but I’d love a photo if you tried!

To spot the Teatro Principal, look for a grand stone building with towering columns and arched windows set right at the corner - it stands out with its classical facade facing the lively Calle de las Barcas. Standing here, you’re about to hear stories that could fill a thousand seats. Imagine the street outside bustling with carriages and people in fancy hats-because, back in the 18th century, that was the scene when the city first dreamed of this very theatre. Designed by the Italian architect Filippo Fontana in 1774, the project took its sweet time getting off the ground and, like an actor with stage fright, it was years before construction really began! When the theatre finally opened its doors in 1832-only partially finished-it already promised magic inside its walls. Walk closer and try to picture stepping inside to behold that original rococo interior: shimmering gold, swirling shapes, as if a cake decorator had gone wild with plaster and paint. Picture the hush falling over the crowd just before the lights go down. Now, listen-can you hear the wild applause from March 1845, when the legendary composer and pianist Franz Liszt played here? He was such a sensation he even invited the audience to shout out requests, promising to improvise pieces on the spot. Talk about confidence! His concerts were the blockbuster events of the century, and the music nearly lifted the roof. Fast forward to the 20th century-Valencia’s most elegant theatre had another claim to fame. In 1918, the prestigious Ballets Russes breezed in from stages as grand as New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, and the city’s press could barely contain their excitement. Opera premieres, orchestras, even the pop star Nino Bravo made his debut here, serenading swooning fans in 1969. Did you know Rudolf Nureyev, the world-famous Russian dancer, also captivated crowds here in 1985? Imagine the hush, the gasp, as he leapt across the stage like a real-life superhero. Not all was smooth sailing, though. This theater has survived renovations, changing fashions, and lunchtime rumors about haunted dressing rooms (don’t worry, the only ghost here is the spirit of incredible performances!). In the 1990s, it was lovingly restored to make it comfier and more accessible, ensuring that music, dance, and drama continue to echo through its halls today. So, take a deep breath, and listen-can you almost hear the curtain rising? Welcome to the beating heart of Valencia’s stage magic!

To spot the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, look for an ornate, peach-and-cream colored mansion with extravagantly decorated stucco facades and corner towers, standing proudly at the corner of the square with swirling carvings framing the main entrance. Welcome, traveler! Prepare to have your breath stolen-don’t worry, only for a second-by this most theatrical of Valencian landmarks: the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas. Before you stands a building so ornate and flamboyant, it makes most wedding cakes look downright underdressed. But don’t just admire it from afar. Step closer. Imagine the swirl of carriages in the square, the velvet rustle of noble cloaks, and the echo of whispered secrets filtering through those gilded walls. The story of this palace is, frankly, the kind of tale that would make even a telenovela jealous. Long ago, a knight named Don Francisco Perellós swept a rich heiress named Joanna Perellós off her feet. (Ah, love-and strategic marriages!) Their descendants took on both their names, forming the proud Rabassa de Perellós dynasty. You’d think marrying well would be enough, but this family was as ambitious as they come. They acquired the barony of Dos Aguas and, thanks to a royal favor in 1699, became marquises. Add a little wealth from savvy business deals and more alliances than you can shake a stick at, and voilà-you’ve got the crown jewel of Valencia's aristocracy. Originally, this site was perhaps a Roman necropolis-yes, you heard me right. Coffins, not comfort, likely dominated this address centuries ago! By the 15th century, the Rabassa de Perellós family built a Gothic palace here, with towers, crenellations, and even a courtyard. But ambition, as it tends to, demanded more-so in the dazzling 18th century, the marquises decided to turn up the glamour to an eleven. They called in the best: painter Hipólito Rovira, sculptor Ignacio Vergara, and decorator Luis Domingo. Together, they transformed this gloomy medieval pile into a Rococo spectacle, with facades swirling with allegorical creatures, cherubs, and enough mythological gods and goddesses to make Mount Olympus jealous. Let’s talk about that entrance. Does it seem a little... over the top? Well, that's the point. In 1745, Ignacio Vergara crafted the grand portal from alabaster-a creamy stone that practically glows at dusk. Notice the muscled, nearly-naked river gods pouring water: they’re the personifications of the Turia and Júcar rivers, a nod (or maybe a flex) to the title “Dos Aguas.” Crocodile heads, reclining lions, quivers of arrows, fruit, urns-if you can name it, it’s probably worked into this portal. Look up to spot the Virgin of the Rosary, surrounded by allegories of Agriculture and Justice, flanked by mermaids with wings, no less. Talk about security detail! If the marquises were at home, the Virgin would be on display. If not-she was hidden from view. A medieval out-of-office notice, you might say. Walk around to the side and you’ll find the carriage entrance, less showy but still sporting wooden doors studded with Greek masks and the initials “MD.” Imagine the crunch of hooves, the clatter of wheels, arrivals for a masked ball, a diplomatic dinner, or perhaps just another day in Spain’s most decorative family home. Look up at those facades-every level tells a story. You’ll spot Minerva, Ceres, Jupiter, Mercury, mermaids, lions, even a torch-wielding goddess named Aurora who’s in charge of lighting up the world every morning (and presumably, keeping everyone on schedule). There are balustraded balconies, pink and gray stucco pretending to be marble, and a riot of decorative busts, shields, eagles, masks, and cherubs. Some details are even an ode to silk and agriculture: after all, there’s no harm in showing off the source of the family fortune. Step inside-if you get the chance, since now it houses the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts-and the splendor only multiplies. Floors of colored tiles depicting epic tales, walls covered in damask, and grand marble staircases flanked by goddesses. Imagine the waltz of musicians, the din of laughter, and the swirl of silk at a 19th-century ball. Rooms have far-flung styles: a Far East tearoom with Mongol-inspired corners and Japanese vases; a riotous ballroom; a lobby watched over by a marble Flora; even a secret oratory where images of Mary preside over silent prayers. Oh, and here's a detail for your next pub quiz: they say the marble for that stucco was quarried from the very lands that gave the marquises their name, Dos Aguas. Now, if you hear any whisper of ghosts, well-when you’ve had Roman necropolises, centuries of noble drama, and masked balls, someone’s bound to linger. So take a moment and soak in the drama, the artistry, the sheer love of spectacle. Who knows? Maybe you’ll leave with a little rococo flair in your step. And with that, our tour comes to a close by the wildest, most splendid palace in all of Valencia. Thanks for exploring with me-you’ve officially walked in the footsteps of nobility, if not walked away with their fortune! Safe travels, adventurer.