Transatlantic 2022 — Valencia; Inside the Silk Exchange and Sant Joan del Mercat

Looking at how the Silk Exchange is surrounded by churches, one supposes that the merchants of Valencia feared for their souls. In a moment I’m going to show you another of those churches, but first we’re going to study the incredible details of the Silk Exchange. Above is the Hall of Columns, and those columns are meant to invoke palm trees. Impressive, for sure. But equally impressive are the bas-reliefs decorating the interior walls:

Of interest with these examples are the grotesques are seemingly all playing musical instruments.

Go into the open-air courtyard of the Silk Exchange, find the staircase, and head on up to this consulate rooms for a ceiling nearly as incredible as what you’ll see in the Hall of Columns:

Heading once again outside, you’ll find lots to photograph in the buildings details. Here is a collection of Silk Exchange gargoyles:

I mentioned earlier that this exchange is seemingly surrounded by churches. This one is on the west side of the exchange, and it is the Church of Saint John of the Market (Església de Sant Joan del Mercat):

Here are a few more photographs of this stunning façade’s intricate details:

See you in two days for another Fun Photo Friday selection of favorites from this destination.

Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)