El Mercat

Valencia

The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet.

In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set.

It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia.

The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet.

In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set.

It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia.

The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
Every building has uniqueness in its own here.
With this endless summer we're having, any corner of the city seems a perfect place to rest and get your strength back! ☀️ ☀️☀️ What about this one?👆🏼👆🏼 The "Santos Juanes" church, in the market square.
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Con este verano interminable que tenemos, cualquier rincón de la ciudad es perfecto para reponer fuerzas. ☀️☀️☀️ ¿Qué os parece este?👆🏼👆🏼 La Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, en la plaza del mercado.
All to be burned. Las Fallas de Valencia. Festival

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in El Mercat

Vincci Mercat Hotel

Vincci Mercat Hotel

4 out of 5
C/ de la Llanterna, 31 Valencia Valencia
The price is P7,678 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P7,678
P8,446 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Great location for the old town, nice rooms

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

Vincci Mercat Hotel
Hotel Primus Valencia

Hotel Primus Valencia

4 out of 5
Calle Menorca 22 Valencia Valencia
The price is P6,030 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P6,030
P6,633 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
Spent one night before going on a cruise and had a good time. Very spacious room, great breakfast

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Hotel Primus Valencia
Only YOU Hotel Valencia

Only YOU Hotel Valencia

5 out of 5
PLAZA RODRIGO BOTET,5 Valencia Valencian Community
The price is P11,218 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P11,218
P12,340 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
Excellent location, nice staff and great room

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Only YOU Hotel Valencia
Novotel Valencia Lavant

Novotel Valencia Lavant

4 out of 5
Avenida Pio XII 4 Valencia Valencia
The price is P7,416 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P7,416
P8,158 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Malvarrosa Beach and Central Market are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (364 reviews)
There is a whole mall behind with restaurants that are open late

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Novotel Valencia Lavant
Barcelo Valencia Hotel

Barcelo Valencia Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Francia 11 Valencia Valencia
The price is P6,232 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P6,232
P6,855 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
The staff were extremely helpful. The room was very clean and the bed comfortable. The shower ran hot then cold but that was all that needed attention. Breakfast was excellent with a wide variety of hot and cold food.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Barcelo Valencia Hotel
Kora Lluna

Kora Lluna

3 out of 5
C/ de l'Arquitecte Alfaro 44 València Valencia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,397 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
P4,397
P4,837 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Malvarrosa Beach and Port of Valencia are located ...
Kora Lluna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around El Mercat

Valencia City Centre showing a city, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

Valencia City Centre

Valencia City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Central Market and Silk Exchange. See more of Valencia by jumping on the metro at Angel Guimera Station or Xativa Station.

Valencia City Centre
Aerial overview of the old city

Ciutat Vella

Plaza Redonda and Silk Exchange are top sights in Ciutat Vella, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Colon Station or Xativa Station to see more sights in the area.

Ciutat Vella
Placa de la Reina

La Seu

While visiting La Seu, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza de Manises.

La Seu
Vue sur la Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire depuis la Plaza de la Virgen

Sant Francesc

While you're in Sant Francesc, take in top sights like Plaza del Ayuntamiento and jump on the metro at Colon Station to see more of the city.

Sant Francesc
The exterior of the Ceramic Museum in Seville is gorgeous.

La Xerea

While visiting La Xerea, you might make a stop by sights like Puerta del Mar and Turia Gardens.

La Xerea
Plaza de Toros bullring in Valencia, Spain; Shutterstock ID 474242068

Eixample

Visitors often come to Eixample for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Ruzafa Market and Colón Market. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Xativa Station.

Eixample


El Mercat