Description
La Lonja de la Seda, the silk exchange, is a central trading venue from the 15th and 16th century.
Architecture
Due to the building's unique late Gothic style of architecture, the edifice became a listed UNESCO world heritage site in 1996. It basically consists of one large trading hall, a tower, which was also partially used for bankrupt traders, and an orange garden.
The Silk Exchange today
Nowadays, Valencia's academy of culture is accommodated here. The building is also occasionally used as a venue for many events and exhibitions.
Historical Information
La Lonja was constructed in the late 15th century, from 1482 until 1498. Initially, only oil was traded here, but with a huge maritime port on-site, many other products became very quickly a trading commodity too. Based on the tradition of trading with silk, the building was named La Lonja de la Seda.
Interesting facts
- The day pass at La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is €2 making it one of the 3 cheapest tourist Attractions in Spain.
How to get there
La Lonja is centrally located in the heart of Madrid, not far from the former riverbed of the Tulia. Sited at the square Plaza del Mercado, still a trading and market place, nowadays, together with Mercado Central, it is one of the largest market places in Europe.
