Its medieval cathedral has a baroque front, and other fine Gothic buildings are the Palacio de la Generali-dad, the Lonja (Stock Exchange), and the Colcgio del Patriarca, which houses some fine Flemish tapestries and canvases by many masters; including El Greco.

Towns of Valencia Costa Blanca holiday accommodation book direct with owner Calpe Holiday Accommodation Book Direct With Owner Platja d'Aro (Playa de Aro) Holiday Accommodation Book Direct With Owner Valencia towns and villages Torrevieja Holiday Accommodation Book Direct With Owner Pego private holidays rentals book direct with owner Alicante villas and apartments book direct with owners El Campello holiday rentals book direct with owner

The National Museum of Ceramics in the old palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas contains examples of every period, including some decorated with designs by Picasso. The Museo de Bellas Artes has, among other treasures, a remarkable self-portrait of Velazquez.

South of the- city, separated from the sea only by a narrow strip of land covered in pines, is the vast freshwater lagoon of La Albufera. Jativa,a small inland town on a hill-side, is the place of origin of the Borgia family - and their castle still stands.