Medieval shopping in Valencia

Historical European cities always have a massive advantage over more modern and commercial ones. They can use the wealth and power of the past to bring exciting events to life in a way that is simply impossible in modern sky-scraper-filled places. I have previously written about the medieval history in Caceres, and now I want to add a market that is well worth visiting, and really brings some of the history of Valencia to life.

When and where...

The event takes place from the 6th of October to the 12th of October this year (and is normally around the same time in the year). If you are around the city in the next few days then I strongly recommend you check it out, and if not, then put it on your list for next year!

You can find the market spread out across the Puente de Serranos bridge, which is right next to the Turia Park (it crosses over it in fact) and very close to the Pont de Fusta metro stop. From here it's a 10-15 minute walk into the city centre, and you can take a beautiful route through the historical Cuitat Vella neighborhood.

What can you find here...

As well as the normal and internationally repeated necklaces, rings, toys and sweets, you can find some original and more unique local goods too. There are fantastic stalls packed to bursting with olives and other vegetables, as well as stalls where you can taste local and nationally produced cheese and ham. Although I'm sure it's fairly frowned upon, I stayed at the cheese and ham stall for about 10 minutes, trying not to be too obvious about eating half my body weight in incredible samples of cheese and jamon from Extremadura and Valencia. It's a really fantastic place to explore some of the lesser known or harder to find products that don't find their way onto the shelves of the supermarkets.

Medieval touches...

Alongside the stalls which are good but not great, the fun really comes from the performers that wander the crowds to entertain and lift the pretty tightly packed crowds (not an event for a claustrophobic traveler). You can see grotesquely made up clowns walking the streets on top of giant inflatable balls, or strongmen in armour carrying medieval weapons happily taking photos with anyone and everyone that wants to. The atmosphere in the market is really fun, and the noise and energy will definitely bring you along. My advice would be to not go on the weekend (which is almost unbearably busy) and instead try to fit it in on a weekday instead. I also think that the market looks and feels more 'medieval' at night, when the softer lamps in this historical part look more in touch with the theme than sunshine in the day.