Valencia's roundabouts Valencia
Curious public art
Crossing safely can be nerve-wracking; however, Valencia's roundabouts feature art that ranges from stunning to bizarre.
The fascinating thing about big roundabouts is that they often represent what a city is proud of. My favourite Valencian concrete circles are the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
The Dama Ibérica roundabout features a stunning sculpture by Manolo Valdés. It depicts the abstract face of the Iberian Lady of Elche, accurately capturing her likeness. This Good One consists of 22,000 blue mosaic tiles, each a tiny replica of Lady of Elche.
Torre Miramar (Sea View Tower) is Spain's priciest roundabout, costing 24 million euros, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Three months in, the tower's elevator broke down, and to make matters worse, the sea view was a letdown. This Bad Guy stands neglected on Av. de Catalunya, a symbol of government waste. Urban explorers sneaked inside and climbed 45 metres to the top.
Mention the Pink Panther in Valencia, and locals will point to a roundabout on Carrer de les Filipines. I love this Ugly One because of its weird, abstract appearance. The Pantera Rosa Fountain, officially la Fuente Pública (the Public Fountain), resembles the beloved cartoon character from the 60s. Sculptor Miquel Navarro intended to design an insect-like gargoyle to celebrate the Túria-Júcar Canal.
An honourable mention goes to the Sad One: a bronze Apollo replica, brutally chopped to pieces and stolen from its roundabout. It never returned to its traffic junction, leaving the naked Apollo gone for good.
Have you spotted a weird roundabout in Valencia? I’d love to hear!
About this spot
Av. de Cataluña
- 247
€
no-price
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Valencia guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Valencia
Casa Judía – Art Deco curiosity
Casa Judía's variety of colours and decorations is impressive. The building is a fine example of Valencian Art Deco with neo-Egyptian influences.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Caras del agua – Hidden drainpipe faces
Valencia’s best street art hides in El Carmen’s backstreets. As you wander the streets, the caras del agua will surprise you with their watchful eyes.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
La Huerta – Valencia's vegetable paradise
Explore Valencia’s Huerta, a lush countryside of farms and canals. Walk, bike, enjoy horchata, or taste paella cooked over orange wood at Casa El Famós!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
La Marina – Valencia's vibrant port
La Marina in Valencia is a mix of historic charm and modern design, with yachts, art, and seaside dining! Look out for stunning views from the terrace!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Jardín de Monforte – Secret Garden
In the 19th century, the stunning Jardín de Monforte was created as a private garden. Today, the garden is open to the public and free to visit.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Cabanyal – Colourful fishing district
Cabanyal is a vibrant seaside district where mosaic-adorned fishermen's houses, lively bars, and raw charm tell tales of its rich, working-class heritage.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Novedades Casino – Graphic treasures
Have you ever seen Spain? At Novedades Casino, you can. Every design there tells a little story, often about Valencia's past.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Casa Carles Recio – Valencia's weirdest house
The most intriguing about Casa Carles Recio is that it is such an odd loner on this ordinary street. A closer look at the facade reveals stunning details!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Ubik Café – Cosiest book café
Ubik café regularly organises activities. Expect art exhibitions, live music, wine tastings, a reading club, language exchanges, and creative workshops!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Huertos urbanos de Benimaclet – Urban oasis
Want to explore Valencia's agriculture and taste delicious Paella? Huertos Urbanos de Benimaclet is a vibrant community garden uniting neighbours in the city.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Valencia Print Work Shop – Print it!
Valencia Print Workshop in Ruzafa offers printmaking classes, handmade art gifts, and a friendly space to explore creative techniques in Spanish or English.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Madame Mim – Funky Vintage Finds
Madame Mim in Valencia's Ruzafa is a quirky vintage shop with theatrical flair, 1950s star outfits, oddities, and a space for artistic events.
By