Escape

The North Station is a century-old building in Valencia, designed by the architect Demetrio Ribes, through which passenger trains run. It is the most important station in the city and connects the towns in the north of the province with those in the south. It is located in the heart of the city centre, right next to the Plaza de Toros, and was inaugurated on 8 August 1917.

This busy station is characterised by a modernist architectural style in which you can see on the exterior façade mosaics of women in the typical clothing of the time, garlands of oranges and other agricultural products. Undoubtedly a detailed representation of Valencian culture. On the other hand, the interior of the station has a more elegant touch thanks to the ceramic mosaics.

The North Station, due to its geographical layout and architectural quality, was classified as a Historic Artistic Monument in 1961 and in 1983 as an Asset of Cultural Interest. To visit this place and take a train to visit the towns around Valencia, you have to get on the bus line 92, at the Illes Canàries stop, and get off at the seventh stop, called Germanies, and then walk for 4 minutes. Or if you prefer, you can walk for 30 minutes.

The church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia, is a religious centre that was created in Valencia’s golden century, that is, in the 15th century. As the years went by, it was enlarged and adapted to all the new architectural styles of the time, thus forging its identity. This place of worship has Romanesque and Gothic influences, but the Baroque style of its interiors predominates above all, where the ceilings of the domes are painted in the purest style of Michelangelo, the famous Italian painter.

During the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a warehouse and storehouse for merchandise, a period in which this church suffered several looting operations, such as the looting of the bells. After the end of the conflict, restoration work began, which lasted many years, and today it is listed as one of the most beautiful churches in the city of Valencia.

To visit this place from our hotel, you have to take the bus line 4, Poeta Querol, and get off at the seventh stop Marqués de Dosaigüés, where you have to walk for 8 minutes. On the other hand, you can reach this place walking for 35 minutes from Original Domino House.

The square Redonda is an old flea market in Valencia that was created in the 19th century by the architect Salvador Escrig. This space has this name because the establishments are located around a fountain, forming a circle through which passers-by could access the shops. In the past, this place was a meeting point for hundreds of people at weekends. The stalls sold fresh, just-picked produce such as fruit, vegetables and fish.

Nowadays, the centenary square has changed its commercial activity and no longer sells perishable goods, but the shops that are part of the square Redonda sell mainly souvenirs and typical products of the city.

To see this square, which is so significant in Valencian culture and has been declared an asset of Cultural Relevance, you have to take bus number 4, Poeta Querol, which is a minute’s walk from the Original Domino House and get off at the seventh stop, Marqués de Dosaigües, and then walk for 3 minutes.

The Cathedral of Valencia or Cathedral de Santa María is one of the most spectacular religious centres in the Valencian Community. Built in the 14th century and influenced by Romanesque, Valencian Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, its interiors are full of works of art, stained glass windows and large domes, as well as its chapels and decorative elements.  A sample of the Christian culture and the Muslim influence of the time in the city of Valencia.

You can also take advantage of your visit to stroll through the surrounding streets or relax with a drink on the outdoor terraces. Without a doubt a place you have to see during your holiday stay.

To get to the cathedral, you have to take bus 4, Poeta Querol, which is 1 minute away from our hotel and get off at the Marqués de Dosaigües stop or if you prefer you can walk for 30 minutes.

The Palace of Marqués de Dos Aguas is located in the heart of Valencia. This centrally located building belonged to one of the most important families of the Valencian nobility and was built in the 18th century. This stately home with garden is characterised by the architectural influences of the period: baroque and rococo.

Nowadays, it houses the Ceramics Museum. Inside this palace there are several collections of great ethnological value that show the culture of the place in that period of time. Without doubt a visit not to be missed to learn more about life in the city of the nobility.

To get to this place from Original Domino House, you only have to walk one minute and take bus 4, Poeta Querol to get off at the seventh stop which is Marqués de Dosaigües.

The Quart and Serranos Towers are the two gates that existed to access the medieval Christian wall built in the 14th century and which are still preserved today. These two monuments are among the most important in Valencia as they reflect the military architecture of the period.

The Serranos Tower, located to the north, has this name because the road connected with the Serranos region and, in turn, linked the cities of Zaragoza and Barcelona with Valencia. As a curious fact, during the civil war some of the works of art from the Prado Museum were guarded to prevent looting or theft.

On the other hand, on the facade of the Quart Towers you can still see the cannon hits it received during the Spanish Civil War. It is so called because in the past, if you followed the path it took you to the Valencian municipality of Quart de Poblet.

One of the things you can do when you go to these places is to go up and admire the late Valencian Gothic structures or the parts where fragments of the Muslim wall are still preserved. To get to the Quart Towers from the Original Domino House Hotel, you have to take the bus line 92 and walk for 5 minutes. On the other hand, to get to the Serrans Tower, you have to get on the line 4 bus and walk for 10 minutes.

If you are on holiday in Valencia you cannot miss the narrowest facade in Europe. Located in the Carmen District, this building is of great tourist interest because the width of the house is only 107 centimetres.

It has 5 floors and still has the original floor. During the week, guided tours are organised to gain access to the building. The current owner says that the daughter of the last tenants had to dress up as a fallera outside the building because she couldn’t go out. The reason why it is so narrow is because in the past it was paid for every metre that was built and the family who built it was poor.

After visiting this amazing tourist attraction, you can relax with a snack in the Tasquita Estrecha, which is located next to the house. Also, due to its location, it is advisable to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Carmen District or visit the shops in the surrounding area.

To get to this house from the Original Domino House Hotel, just take the bus line 4 and it will drop you off a minute’s walk away.

The gastronomy prepared in Valencia is characterized by the use of olive oil, vegetables or fish, but, above all, by the use of rice. A cereal used in many dishes and, especially, in the best known worldwide: the paella.

It is a dry rice stew, cooked in a paella (a shallow metal pan with handles) made on the fire. There are many recipes for paella, but the most popular ones are those made up of rice, chicken and rabbit, green beans and garrofon. It is followed by seafood and mixed (consisting of meat and fish).

Very close to Original Domino House you can find a lot of restaurants and food houses, for example in the area of Malvarrosa Beach, to taste the most typical and international Valencian gastronomy. Also the Albufera area is a very good option.

Other typical dishes in Valencia with a lot of acceptance are

• Baked rice. It is not as famous as paella but it also deserves a place in the gastronomic top. Prepared in an earthenware casserole, its main ingredients are chickpeas, and various products from pork.
• Alioli. A typical Valencian starter made with garlic and oil, which, well crushed, manages to be a thick mass similar to mayonnaise, but much more tasty. The best tapa to share!
• Esgarraet. A dish made up of roast peppers, cod, garlic and olive oil. In some cases it is accompanied by hard-boiled egg. It is eaten all year round, but especially at Easter as it does not contain meat. Indispensable!

TO FINISH: A GOOD SWEET

Valencian pastries also have famous sweets that are known beyond our borders. The famous pumpkin fritters, which are eaten all year round but especially during the Fallas, coca de llanda, sweet potato cakes, or the traditional “fruits of Sant Dionis“.

On the other hand, some Valencian sweets have a notable Muslim influence due to the use of almonds and honey, such as Arnadí (a cake made from pumpkin and almond), rosegones or les orelletes.

We cannot close this chapter without mentioning the fartons, which are usually accompanied by the horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made of water, sugar and tigernuts.

Finally, Agua de Valencia, the most famous cocktail made with orange juice, cava and other liqueurs, and mistela -a Valencian wine made from the grape variety called Moscatel- complete the list of the most traditional alcoholic drink.

The Malvarrosa is the largest beach – it has a length of 1.800 metres – and also the closest to Valencia. Every year it is distinguished with a blue flag and has lifeguard posts -only in summer season-, as well as accesses for people with reduced mobility. Its casual atmosphere is a constant attraction for tourists at any time of year. In addition, the promenade near the beach has all kinds of restaurants with Mediterranean food and is always very lively.
The bus lines 92 and 93 drop you off at the beach from our accommodation.

One of the most charming areas of Valencia is the Carmen. Placed in the historical helmet, and formerly surrounded by walls, today it is one of the zones of leisure and gastronomy more out-standing of the city. A place to stroll where you can taste, from the most international tapas, to the most local food. There are also countless pubs and discos where you can have a drink. Close to Carmen is the Plaza de la Virgen and the Cathedral of Valencia (13th century). For more than a thousand years, the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Apostles’ Gate) of the Cathedral has held a Water Tribunal every Thursday of the year. This court is the oldest legal institution in force in Europe.
Bus lines 4 and 19, close to Original Domino Houses, can leave you just two minutes from the plaza.