The UNESCO World Heritage Site La Lonja (English = Silk Exchange; Valencian = Llotja) is less than a five-minute walk from my Airbnb. This building was constructed between 1482 and 1553 in a late Valencia Gothic style. It was used as a commercial building for trading, featuring a main hall for arranging contracts, a chapel, a room for the first Spanish marine mercantile tribunal, and a prison for merchants who fail to pay their debts.
The main Hall of Columns has these gorgeous vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and curved pillars that are over 50 feet tall!
I am, at heart a portrait photographer, so I made Sanaya pose in a few shots.
Through the courtyard and up a flight of stairs is my favorite room, the Tribunal of the Consulate of the Sea. I mean, look at that floor! The copper door and stunning painted ceiling are also exceptional.
Last, but not least, the courtyard is also called the Orange Patio and features the iconic Valencian Orange trees.
At free admission and a quick self-guided tour, La Lonja is a great stop for tourists to get a taste of Valencian Gothic architecture.