La Lonja de la Seda
Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain
La Lonja de la Seda makes the wealth and ambition of historic Valencia tangible in stone. The former silk exchange is the place to slow down and look closely at its Gothic architecture, especially the great trading hall. Pair the visit with the Central Market nearby, but give the building its own time rather than treating it as a quick photograph. It is the most concentrated introduction to the city's historic commercial importance.