The City Hall of Valencia, known locally as Casa Consistorial de Valencia, stands as a majestic symbol of the city’s rich history and architectural splendor. Dominating the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento, this grand edifice has been a central figure in Valencia’s civic life for over a century. Its impressive façade, adorned with intricate details and crowned by a towering clock, beckons visitors to explore its storied halls and opulent interiors.
The current building of the City Hall of Valencia was constructed between 1905 and 1950, a period marked by significant urban development in the city. It was built on the site of the former Convent of San Francisco, which had been repurposed as a cavalry barracks. The project also incorporated elements from the old Casa de la Enseñanza, a Catholic institute designed as a school with classrooms on the first two floors, dormitories on the third, and a chapel occupying the southern wing.
The original structure, with its neoclassical style, can still be seen at the rear of the building. Before 1934, the municipal council was housed in the now-demolished Casa de la Ciudad, located in Plaza de la Mare de Déu. The architect Carlos Carbonell was responsible for the design of the new annex, which aimed to provide the City Hall with spaces for key functions such as the mayor's office, meeting rooms, and reception halls, while also creating a civic palace that would serve as an architectural centerpiece for the new urban center.
The City Hall of Valencia is a stunning example of architectural eclecticism, blending Renaissance and Baroque elements with a monumental and symbolic design. The building's discontinuous and dramatic layout is punctuated by two large blocks that project forward, framing a central tower with a clock and carillon, flanked by two smaller towers at the ends. The façade is adorned with balustrades and obelisks, culminating in a grand balcony added later, which sits directly above the main entrance.
One of the most striking features is the bronze group of the municipal coat of arms, supported by two marble nude figures symbolizing the Arts and Letters, created by the renowned sculptor Mariano Benlliure. The marble statues integrated into the projecting blocks, representing Justice and Prudence by Carmelo Vicent and Fortitude and Temperance by Vicente Beltrán, add to the building's symbolic and heraldic ensemble.
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The interior of the City Hall is equally opulent, featuring a marble vestibule and a grand staircase designed in 1924. The reception hall, inaugurated in 1929, is decorated with paintings by Tuset and twelve marble reliefs by artists such as Carmelo Vicent, Vicente Beltrán, Enrique Giner, and Vicente Coret. The hemicycle and other rooms are also richly adorned, reflecting the building's luxurious and ceremonial character.
Remnants of the previous institutions housed in the building are scarce, but the space of the former Church of the Blood is now occupied by the glazed courtyard, which hosts various municipal offices. The chapel of the Casa de la Enseñanza, dedicated to Saint Rose of Lima, underwent significant renovation in 1935, which altered its original Rococo ornamentation and spatial layout. The archive and historical museum now occupy the upper level, while the ground floor serves as exhibition halls.
The City Hall of Valencia plays a central role in the city's vibrant cultural and festive life. During the famous Fallas festival, the balcony of the City Hall becomes a focal point as dignitaries, including the mayor and the Fallera Mayor, give the order to start the Mascletà, a spectacular pyrotechnic display held in the square below.
On October 9th, Valencia's city day, the municipal flag is ceremoniously lowered from the balcony and carried through the city center to Plaza de Alfonso el Magnánimo before being returned to the City Hall, where it is stored until the following year.
Housed within the City Hall, the Municipal Historical Museum offers a fascinating journey through Valencia's history. Located in the section corresponding to the former Casa Consistorial and the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima, the museum is divided into several rooms. The first room features five maps showing the city's evolution, including the famous 1704 map by Father Tosca. The second room, Views of the City, displays 46 engravings from the municipal collection, dating from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries.
The Sala dels Furs contains murals from 1958 by Ramon Stolz, depicting eight monarchs closely associated with Valencia's foral regime, from James I to Alfonso the Magnanimous. The room also features the equestrian figure of a 15th-century justice and the Company of Crossbowmen of the Centenar de la Ploma, an urban militia founded in 1356. The Sala Foral, located in the former Church of Santa Rosa, houses symbols and relics of Valencia's history, including the Royal Senyera, the Banner of the Conquest, the Trophy of the Conquest, King James I's sword, the Book of the Consolat de Mar, and various other historical artifacts.
Visitors are welcome to explore the City Hall of Valencia, with free admission from 9:15 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to admire its architectural beauty, the City Hall of Valencia offers a captivating glimpse into the city's past and present.
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