Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, mingles centuries-old architecture with unmistakable modernity, boasting a tangible heritage of over 2,000 years.  It is a truly beautiful city with a well-preserved old centre, full of unique medieval buildings. A prime example of splendour is the silk exchange, La Lonja de la Seda. This is set in a spectacular group of buildings testament to the city’s wealth in the late Middle Ages – we feel it is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, recognized by Unesco as World Heritage. Another highlight is indeed its main Cathedral, incorporating mostly Romanesque and Gothic influences but you can see easily spot additions in the Renaissance and Baroque styles of design. A spiral staircase leading upwards to a terrace boasting magnificent views of Valencia is worth the climb. Lovely contrasts to old Valencia are the iconic white-arched buildings that house the City of Arts and Science, surrounded by huge and shallow pools.  This is close to the old town and largely the work of world famous star-architect Santiago Calatrava, a native, and much celebrated and embraced locally. This giant art centre served as inspiration for other Calatrava works, such as the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York.