Valencia’s Extraordinary Residential Buildings

When moving to Valencia, one of the first things the expats appreciate is the diverse architecture of this delightful Mediterranean city. The charming historical buildings allow us to picture life in the past and the modern City of Arts and Science gives a glimpse of the future.

We invite you to tour Valencia with us and learn more about five extraordinary residential buildings in Valencia that are well known due to their unique architecture and even have local nicknames. After reading and following along, we hope that you will decide to say “YES” to Valencia!

1. La Finca Roja

It is hard to miss this 5-story red brick building that stretches the whole block lying between Jesus, Marvá, Maluquer and Albacete Streets. This building was finished in 1933, later restored from 2009-2011, as a residential accommodation consisting of 378 apartments. It has 14 entrances, 10 of them are identical with the apartments that measure 100 meters squared each and 4 other entrances lead to more spacious apartments. Residents take great interest in the interior garden and double it as a community space to connect with neighbors.

The architect Enrique Viedma Vidal is also known for his other buildings in Valencia, so he is a very credible source. He has participated in creating the abundant Central Market (Mercado Central), as well as Chavo´s house (Casa del Chavo) which is on avenue Marques de Sotelo No 8 and 10, and the Union and Phoenix building (Edificio La Unión y el Fénix) in the corner of Xativa and Marqués de Sotelo streets.

Back in its original time, the Red Building was built for the working class, and it was not considered as the central part of Valencia as it is today. The building’s interior infiltrates Amsterdam’s school influence. It is also one of the first buildings where American style blinds were installed.

For more insight, check out this beautifully done apartment design by Catalan interior designer Francesc Rife.

2. Finca de Hierro (The Iron Building) or Edificio Garcerán

Do not miss the chance to witness this massive building right in the city center on calle Xativa 1. “Collons, quina finca!” (from Valenciano – Bollocks, what a building!). It has been widely recognised, as people would shout out loud their excitement seeing this building for the first time when leaving the train station.

Nowadays, locals refer to it as the Iron Building – you guessed it – it was the first building in Valencia that had the structure built from iron! It was created by architects Vicente Figuerola Benavent and Vicente Aliena Goit, and it then took 8 years to build it (from 1954-1962). It does take some time when you are building 224 apartments amongst 22 floors!

For 40 years it was the highest skyscraper in the city with a height of 85 meters, until 2006 when the Hilton Hotel was built (117m). However, the Iron Building is still ranked 9th on the list of tallest buildings in Valencia.

3. Torre de Francia (French tower)

This French tower is not exactly the Eiffel Tower, but it is about its equivalent for Valencia, and even better, it is the highest residential building in the city! Upon Francia Avenue, 115m of height lies the second highest building in Valencia encapsulating 35 floors. It overlooks the bridge to the inner city, Turia park, and the modern City of Art and Sciences. The project of this skyscraper was crafted by Perretta Arquitectura and his team. They cut the red ribbon in 2002 and you can see similarities while comparing it to the Torre Gómez-Trenor tower at the very beginning of Gran Vía Marques del Turia. Last year, the residents of the building celebrated its 20-year anniversary! Even though this complex is not brand new, its interior has been updated to current trends.

4. Casa Judía

If you have ever been wandering around the tiny streets near the North train station, you definitely have seen the blueish-greenish building on 20 Castellon Street. We did check more about the building itself.

The 7-floor building was built in 1930 by architect Joan Guardiola. It is clear example of the Valencian art deco style inspired by many cultures form different countries and times, between them you can see Oriental, Arabic, Egyptian, Hindu, Jewish and others.

Thanks to the Magen David above the doorway placed upon the owner’s, Yosef Shalóm, request, the building got its name- the Jewish House, where back then the out of numbers and lay-low-profile Jewish community in Valencia would hold discreet meetings and celebrate Jewish Festivities.

We only can imagine what architectural jewelleries this house hides inside but as being a private property, the interior of the building is well kept away from the curious by walkers.

5. L´Espai Verd  (Green space building)

16 Músic Hipòlit Martínez Street (46020)

While walking through Benimaclet towards the Alboraya’s fields, with vegetation covered, the building is hard to miss. The project was created by architect Antonio Cortés Ferrando and turned into an iconic apartment building which was built from 1985 to 1991. It is known as a green building where the vegetation is inseparable from the common spaces and is integrated also in all 108 apartments where you have the choice among duplex, triplex, and even 4 quadruplexes.

Its inhabitants can enjoy not only a huge number of green plants, pine trees and fountains, it also offers amazing views, a sports area, swimming pool and common areas to hang out.
In the past this building has been referred to as a technological and ecological utopia, and now it attracts many architects from all over the world. It´s creator is a passionate admirer of the IT field and for this reason when in the 80s people didn’t have much of an idea what the Internet is, but thanks to him, each apartment has its own access to wifi as the author predicted that people eventually will work from home and wanted to create the perfect environment for that. Since the building is attractive with its unique layout, it just might be the right fit for tenants.