L'Àgora (The Agora), Valencia
The Agora (L'Àgora) is a versatile indoor area situated in the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Spanning 5,000 square meters, the building reaches a height of 70 meters and features an open floor plan resembling a pointed ellipse measuring approximately 88 meters in length and 66 meters in width. Depending on the configuration, it can accommodate up to 6,075 individuals.
This impressive structure serves as a transparent, spacious arena with a glass roof running along its central axis. To regulate the natural light from above, a movable framework is employed. The interior of the building showcases tall white steel arches, creating an organic atmosphere, while the exterior boasts a geometric and abstract design that remains striking whether seen during daylight or illuminated at night.
Officially inaugurated in November 2009, L'Àgora initially hosted the Valencia Open 500 ATP tournament, despite the ongoing construction at the time. The tournament continued for six years before concluding in 2015.
In early 2018, it was announced that Catalan architect Enric Ruiz-Geli had won a private architecture competition to construct the new CaixaForum Valencia within L'Àgora. The CaixaForum Valencia will encompass 6,500 square meters and house two exhibition halls, an auditorium with 300 seats, two multipurpose rooms, a bar-restaurant, a bookstore, and a second-level space dedicated to families and education. This multifaceted venue will accommodate art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, social events, educational and family workshops, as well as activities tailored for the elderly.
This impressive structure serves as a transparent, spacious arena with a glass roof running along its central axis. To regulate the natural light from above, a movable framework is employed. The interior of the building showcases tall white steel arches, creating an organic atmosphere, while the exterior boasts a geometric and abstract design that remains striking whether seen during daylight or illuminated at night.
Officially inaugurated in November 2009, L'Àgora initially hosted the Valencia Open 500 ATP tournament, despite the ongoing construction at the time. The tournament continued for six years before concluding in 2015.
In early 2018, it was announced that Catalan architect Enric Ruiz-Geli had won a private architecture competition to construct the new CaixaForum Valencia within L'Àgora. The CaixaForum Valencia will encompass 6,500 square meters and house two exhibition halls, an auditorium with 300 seats, two multipurpose rooms, a bar-restaurant, a bookstore, and a second-level space dedicated to families and education. This multifaceted venue will accommodate art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, social events, educational and family workshops, as well as activities tailored for the elderly.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Valencia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
L'Àgora (The Agora) on Map
Sight Name: L'Àgora (The Agora)
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Valencia, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Valencia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Valencia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Valencia's Classical Architecture Tour
Gazing upon the multitude of styles on the facades of Valencia – Renaissance, Baroque, Modernist, Beaux-Art, Art Nouveau, and more – makes one realize that this is more than just a Mediterranean coastal destination with beautiful beaches. Colorful and diverse, the “capital of Turia” boasts a wealth of architectural treasures that make it more contrasting and delicate than any other city in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Home to most of Valencia's main tourist attractions, the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is undoubtedly the most charming part of the city, reflecting its history and retaining its star-shaped medieval layout. Formerly a walled town from the Roman period, this area saw its major development commence in the 14th-15th centuries, the most tangible remains of which now are Torres de Serranos (Serranos... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Contemporary Architecture Walk
With one foot in the past and the other one in the future, it is hard to find a European city more architecturally intriguing than Valencia. Among the multitude of styles, Valencia particularly excels at the cutting-edge contemporary architecture. She owes it to her own born and bred architect, Santiago Calatrava, renowned for his hyper-modern-surreal designs.
In the course of nearly two... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
In the course of nearly two... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Valencia Introduction Walking Tour
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, boasts an ancient lineage dating back to 138 BC when it was established as a colony for Roman war veterans. Originally christened "Valentia," which means valor, a tribute to the battle-hardened soldiers, it eventually evolved into Valencia through gradual phonetic changes.
In 75 BC, the city faced destruction at the hands of Pompey the Great,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In 75 BC, the city faced destruction at the hands of Pompey the Great,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles