The story of Lonja de la Seda

In the 15th century Valencia was at the height of its commercial wealth, and its merchants built this magnificent exchange to do business in style. The Silk Exchange was built between 1482 and 1533, a masterpiece of late Valencian Gothic. Its heart is the Trading Hall, where merchants drew up their contracts, a vast space whose ribbed vaults rest on tall twisted columns.

The architect Pere Compte built this hall in only fifteen years, from 1483 to 1498 – as a Latin inscription in golden letters on a blue band around the walls proudly records. The inscription also preaches honest trade: a merchant who does not lie, keeps his word and does not lend at usury will grow rich and win eternal life. Next door, the Consulate of the Sea was the first maritime trade court in Spain, and debtors could be locked up in the central tower.

Stand in the Trading Hall and follow the twisted columns up to the vault.