Most people on a city break would not consider going out of their way to look at a railway station. In Valencia you must visit the train station called 'Estacion del Norte'. The North Station is an architectural modernist jewel, with Austrian style.

It was built between 1906 and 1917 by Demetrio Ribes. On the creamy facade you can see imagery of the most typical elements of Valencian culture: oranges, barracas (Valencian traditional house), La Albufera (the lake) and women dressed in traditional Valencian dress.

Inside there's the iron nave over the rail roads. Above the Station clock there is an eagle with its wings spread, sitting on a globe. This is supposed to symbolise speed.

Make sure you go into the information room. It is decorated with ceramic mosaics and murals. It is very impressive. It is south of the old town next to the Bullring, along the Calle de Jativa at the junction with Av Del Marques de Sotelo. The nearest metro station is Xatira

Travel books