Lonja de la Seda

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La Lonja de la Seda.
La Lonja de la Seda.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia1
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Contract Hall.
State Party Flag of Spain Spain
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iv
Identification #782
Region2 Europe and North America
Inscription History
Formal Inscription: 1996
20th WH Committee Session
WH link: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/782

1 Name as officially inscribed on the WH List
2 As classified officially by UNESCO

The Lonja de la Seda (English: Silk Exchange) in Valencia, or simply La Lonja to the locals (also La Llotja on street signs), is one of the principal tourist attractions in the city and a World Heritage Site. Currently the seat of the Cultural Academy of Valencia, the building frequently hosts exhibitions.

La Lonja was founded in 1469 as a market for oil. The design was derived from a similar structure in Palma de Mallorca; the architects were Pedro Compte, Juan Yvarra, and Johan Corbera. It was not until 1498 that the crenellated tower and the Gothic trading hall were completed. Other construction and decoration works lumbered on until 1533.

During subsequent centuries, La Lonja functioned as a silk exchange. The honesty of its traders is honored by the inscription that runs around the main contract hall. La Lonja adjoins a similarly ornate late Gothic building, called the Consulado.


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