I like the idea of "Round Square"; it reminds me of other Spanish contradictions like "Quick lunch" or "Quiet evening". Sky view on El Carmen, the historic centre of Valencia, Spain. In the front Plaza Redonda, next Santa Catalina church tower and on its right, el Micalet cathedral tower.
Plaza Redonda is one of those atmospheric cosy corners that transport you to the Valencia before it got discovered. This is the authentic, historic every-day Carmen, from the days when it was still 100% Valencian. Sleepy afternoon, the siesta in full force, lazy sun and someone playing the accordeon. As the name suggests, it is a round square, full of shops and totally encircled by the old buildings of Carmen.
It's not that there is anything to see, it's just the flavour of the old Valencia to savour while you are taking a walk. However, if you want some souvenirs, Plaza Redonda is the best place to see a good selection of typical Valencian ceramics.The plaza is also called El Clot (the hole) by the locals.
Directly in front of the Central Market is La Lonja, which was built in the early cXV as a Silk Exchange - it now has World Heritage Status and is used at the weekends as a coin and stamp market, go inside and marvel at the tall barley twist pillars and the Orangerie. Walk back down the street until you reach Calle del Trench on your left, turn down here and amble on until you reach Plaza Redonda, on your right. All through here you will find small windy streets with little shops and bars. The Plaza Redonda, which is in dire need of renovation (finally about to happen), are haberdashery stalls selling lace and pinnies, and ceramics and gifts.
Located just off Plaza Santa Catalina, Plaza Redonda is an unusual small round square (and is a little tricky to find). You enter this interesting square by one of several arches. In the very centre of the square is a small fountain. Around the outside there are small shops selling souvenirs and local crafts and ceramics. Around the inside of the square are a some stalls selling haberdashery and clothing. I particularly like the beautiful tiles that decorate the outside of the stalls, as you can see in the main photo. On Sunday the square is home to a pet market.
Directly in front of the Central Market is La Lonja, which was built in the early cXV as a Silk Exchange - it now has World Heritage Status and is used at the weekends as a coin and stamp market, go inside and marvel at the tall barley twist pillars and the Orangerie. Walk back down the street until you reach Calle del Trench on your left, turn down here and amble on until you reach Plaza Redonda, on your right. All through here you will find small windy streets with little shops and bars. The Plaza Redonda, which is in dire need of renovation (finally about to happen), are haberdashery stalls selling lace and pinnies, and ceramics and gifts.
Located just off Plaza Santa Catalina, Plaza Redonda is an unusual small round square (and is a little tricky to find). You enter this interesting square by one of several arches. In the very centre of the square is a small fountain. Around the outside there are small shops selling souvenirs and local crafts and ceramics. Around the inside of the square are a some stalls selling haberdashery and clothing. I particularly like the beautiful tiles that decorate the outside of the stalls, as you can see in the main photo. On Sunday the square is home to a pet market.
This Round Plaza (it would sound funny to say Round Square!!) is a market of things that aren't sold in the central market. Built in middle XIX century, you can find there from material for a dress, a parrot, color fishes or Manises ceramics. It is very interesting going here on Sunday Mornings, because it's when the market is more crowed and there's also the selling of color birds. Next to the plaza redonda and just in front of Santa Catalina church, there is a little square with (maybe) the narrowest house in the world.It's a red house in the middle of two houses and it's only 1'15 meters wide.
Plaza Redonda is one of those little corners of the city that possess a special kind of charm, much appreciated by tourists, visitors and residents alike. Easily accessible from San Vincente Mártir street, this plaza is one of the many must-visit sites in the city. It's a small interior plaza surrounded by small and narrow streets, inviting you to explore the old quarter. 'Redonda' means round and this "square" is in fact circular in shape. Every Sunday morning it turns into an improvised marketplace where you will find everything from everyday items to the most unexpected: From inexpensive clothing to pets, keepsakes, or religious stamps and statuettes. There are also some stands where you can find typical white and blond lace open throughout the week. Later and after a bit of shopping, you can relax at any of the wide assortment of restaurants and "tapas" bars available.
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