When I stepped off the train and into the station in Valencia, Spain, I was startled by its beauty. Welcome to Valencia! The majestic Estació del Nord (North Train Station) celebrates the orange. I was amazed when I discovered its handsome façade is decorated with glazed tiles that depict oranges. Mosaics inside the station also tell the story of oranges.
Valencia oranges really do grow here. For centuries the fruit has been tremendously important to the economy. There's even a cocktail celebrating oranges--Agua de Valencia (water of Valencia) is a delightful concoction of orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin. Perfect after lunch, served chilled in a shot glass.
​
Fun fact: Along with oranges, Valencia is a prime rice growing area! Rice has been grown for over 1000 years on the low-lying land near the coast. Paella (pah-aye-ah) is the rice-based signature dish of Valencia. It's a free-style combo of rice, meat and/or seafood, with a few vegetables tossed in for a good measure. It's seasoned with saffron which gives the rice a lovely golden hue. ​​Absolutely delicious!
​
Speaking of food, the Mercado Central (Central Market), a beautiful art nouveau showpiece, is one of the largest public markets in Europe. Inside, a thousand market stalls are piled high with the freshest and finest meats, fruit, vegetables, and seafood. You can also grab souvenirs and snacks. Try the barnacles washed down with gazpacho-to-go!
Next door to the Central Market is Església de Sant Joan del Mercat, the Church of St. John of the Market. The ornate clock tower is flanked by a matched pair of St. Johns. The rather unusual weather vane on top of the façade is known as the Bird of St. John. I was stunned by the incredible detail covering every surface of the building.
​
Valencia was a major trade center in the Mediterranean during the 15th and 16th centuries. The city's commercial prosperity spurred the construction of a new building, Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange building), to house commercial transactions and a marine merchant tribunal.The name of the magnificent la Llotja reflects the importance of the city's silk industry. The Silk Exchange's immense Sala de Contratación (Contract Hall) was the room where where merchants negotiated contracts. The intricate marble floor and spiral pillars were awe-inspiring.
Another area of the Silk Exchange, Consulado del Mar (Consulate of the Sea), was where the Trade Court met to solve maritime trade issues. The room is embellished with an intricately carved wood ceiling and massive doors. 
​
A few blocks to the northwest are the imposing medieval Torres de Quart (Towers of Quart). They were constructed between 1441 and 1460 as defensive gates for the city and were built of natural stone from quarries near Valencia. I was impressed by the cannonball damage sustained during the siege of the city by France in 1808. These towers withstood a ferocious pounding.