Llotja de la Seda
Llotja de la Seda, Gothic civil building in Plaza del Mercado, Valencia, Spain
Description
Llotja de la Seda is a Gothic civil building on Plaza del Mercado in Valencia, Spain. The Trading Hall measures roughly 36 meters wide and 21 meters long, with its eight slender stone columns meeting in spiral vaults that divide the space into three longitudinal naves and five transversal sections.
History
Construction began in 1483 under architect Pere Compte, replacing an earlier oil trading site from the 14th century. Completion came in the first decades of the 16th century, marking the height of Valencia's economic power in the Mediterranean.
Culture
The columns in the Trading Hall carry carved medallions at their bases showing scenes from daily life and religious motifs. Above the windows runs a Latin inscription urging merchants toward honesty and praising trade as work pleasing to God.
Practical
The entrance door stands at the corner of Plaza del Mercado, directly opposite the central market building. The main hall is accessible at ground level, while the upper floor requires climbing a stone staircase.
Did you know?
Below the main hall lay a prison for merchants unable to pay their debts, who remained there until settling their accounts. In one corner of the building stands a small chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which served as a place of devotion for traders.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Valencia).
Valencia shows its history through the ages, from Roman ruins hidden beneath the Place de la Vierge to the modern buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. The old town keeps gates from the 15th century like the Torres de Quart, gothic churches with baroque frescos, and the Silk Exchange with its...
The Valencian Community stretches along the Mediterranean, between the sea and the mountains. This region includes the city of Valencia with its Arts and Sciences City, the historic center around the cathedral and the Silk Exchange, and the Turia Gardens running through the city. To the north, the...
Mercat Central
117 m
Church of San Nicolás
193 m
Church of Sant Joan del Mercat
75 m
Church of Santa Catalina, Valencia
159 m
Plaça Redona
176 m
Església del Sagrat Cor de la Companyia de Jesús
59 m
Fundació Chirivella Soriano
184 m
Casa Ordeig
126 m
Covetes de Sant Joan
57 m
Palau d'En Bou
129 m
Central Market
117 m
Fountain of Mercat Central (Valencia) 02, Valencia
74 m
Building at 2 Ramellets street, Valencia
130 m
Building at 3 Bruges square, Valencia
198 m
Fountain of Mercat Central (Valencia) 01, Valencia
110 m
Edifici Torner
200 m
Building at 4 Peu de la Creu street, Valencia
212 m
Fountain of Mercat Central (Valencia) 04, Valencia
155 m
Monistrol building
175 m
Fountain of Plaça del Correu Vell, Valencia
179 m
Font de la Plaça Redona
178 m
Roman sacred area at Sant Nicolau square, Valencia
203 m
Fountain of Mercat Central (Valencia) 03, Valencia
136 m
Font del Negret
204 m
Caja de Ahorros de Valencia. Branch 1
175 m
Ceramic panel of Saint Nicholas of Bari
153 m
Ceramic panel of Our Lady of Peace
143 m
Campos-Calvet Building
207 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes