La Lonja de la Seda

 La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja was delared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for being one of the most stunning, most important and best preserved examples of Late Gothic architecture in entire Europe. Built in the beginning of XVI century, La Lonja (Silk Exchange) is the real emblem of the Golden Age of Valencia - the times when this city was one Europe's main cultural and economic centres - and this is precisely why La Lonja was built. As such, no expense was spared on the lavishness and luxury of the architecture here.

It is impossible to be unimpressed by La Lonja and that is why it is a must on any travel itinerary. La Lonja is a dramatic and ingenious blend of medieval castle mounmentalism and an exquisite sophistication of the epoch art. It both inspires awe with its imposing glamour, and seduces you with its elaborate playful ornaments. It is both powerful and light-hearted, both solemn and sparkling with life.

La Lonja is composed of three parts (plus the Orange Garden - a walled court-yard). The main hall, Sala de Contratacion (The Contract Hall) is an enormous, lavishly decorated space supported by gorgeous twisted columns. This was the centre of life in La Lonja, the place where the merchants would meet, deal and sign. The side-wing is named the Pavillion of the Consulate, and this was the seat of the Tribunal del Mar - the first merchant tribunal to ever be formed in Spain. The first two floors were the main function rooms, with the upper one hosting a richly decorated ceiling - a masterpiece of medieval art which had the King ride out of the capital just to see it. These rooms are still authentically furnished. On occasions, the Tribunal would imprison merchants for debts in the central tower of La Lonja - the third part of the structure.

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