Sunny Side Up – Exploring Spain’s Valencia, Granada, and Mijos

Valencia

The first real stop was Valencia. It was about a four hour bus ride from Barcelona. Despite calling this entry sunny, the morning started with very grey skies and a few rain drops.

After arriving in the center of Valencia in the early afternoon, I got to admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings.

At one time, there was a river that ran through the city, but it dried up, and a wide pedestrian canal built in its place.

Catedral de Valencia

For 9 Euros, I entered the Catedral de Valencia. Entry comes with an audio guide, but not a tower entry. That is an additional 3 Euros.

Some of the oldest parts date back to the 1300s. It has been Christian then Muslim for about 500 years while the Ottoman Empire was in charge and then back to a Christian cathedral, so the building is a mishmash of Gothic and Ottoman style.

Interior chapel that houses the last supper chalice

The difference between the main chapel and the side chambers is noticeable

The crowning glory is the last super chalice. Testing has confirmed its age, so it very well could be.

Yes, this is a relic, some poor dude’s arm – Chapel de la Resurrection

There is a museum as well- Museo de la Catedral

City Hall

A couple of blocks away from the Catedral de Valencia is a square that houses the city hall.

The bat is considered the cities animal insignia

Besides the government square, there are several other interesting buildings and even part of the old gate/wall that surrounded the city. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

Cheapest lunch- traditional meat and cheese sandwich

Refreshing and not too sweet afternoon pick me up I got so that I could use the restroom at the cafe.

City of Science and Art

A few billion Euros have been invested in a magnificent development for the arts and sciences.

This building reminds me of a Roman helmet or a futuristic spaceship

A four hour bus along mountains and hills brought me to my next destination.

Granada

The biggest attraction in Granada is the ancient palace of La Alhambra. It once was an Arabic stronghold, so the architecture is reminiscent of Turkey or other Middle Eastern countries.

I actually saw no cats, so they must have been hiding.

Old wall and gate separating the inner palace from the outer palace

Wall and gate separating the outer palace from the town.

Walking down from the palace to the center of town

Walking back up through the outer palace to catch the bus

Mijos

After a shorter drive through olive fields, the bus came to the ‘Santorini ‘ of Spain, where I got to try the local delicacy of pig 🐷 face. Or rather the cheeks of the animal.