La Lonja was one of my favourite sights to see in Valencia when we visited last Spring. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and had recently re-opened after restoration. It’s free to enter and luckily it wasn’t too crowded on the day we visited, so we could enjoy it’s cool stone halls and tranquil, cathedral-like atmosphere.

La Lonja de Seda or Silk Exchange was founded in the 15th century and in the past would have been filled with Valencia’s merchants going about their business. We entered through the Sala de Contratacion (The Contract Hall) with its twisted stone pillars reaching up to the vaulted ceiling resembling skeins of twisted silk. At one side is a small, shady courtyard, with orange trees scenting the air and by walking up an external stone staircase you find the first floor chamber with it’s beautiful coffered ceiling and patterned marble floor.

On the ground floor, off the courtyard there is the Pavillion of the Consulate, where the Merchant’s tribunal would sit. At the height of summer I’m sure the merchants would have found it a cool and shady oasis to retreat from the bustle of the street outside.

Photos by Heatheronhertravels