Col·legi de l'Art Major de la Seda, Baroque heritage building in Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain.
The building is a three-story stone structure with an ornately decorated baroque entrance portal and wrought-iron balconies. Ceramic tiles and decorative elements adorn the facade and interior spaces, which now house collections related to silk production.
King Charles II established this institution in 1686 to centralize and oversee the region's silk manufacturing. The guild, which had previously worked with velvet fabrics, became an important center for controlling and advancing silk craftsmanship.
The building embodies Valencia's historical connection to silk manufacturing, which shaped the city for centuries. The rooms reflect this legacy through their arrangement and the works displayed that speak to the importance of this craft.
The location is in the old city center and easily walkable, while the spaces span multiple levels throughout the building. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the various exhibition areas at their own pace.
The eighteenth-century floor tiles display an allegorical representation of Fame surrounded by symbols of the four continents. This artistic choice reflects how far Valencia's silk trade reached during the early modern period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
