L'Umbracle

L'Umbracle Valencia is an elevated garden walk at the City of Arts and Sciences, a planted walkway 320 metres long lifted above the complex. White arches close to 18 metres high, drawn by Santiago Calatrava, pace the whole promenade. Entry to the public garden walk is free. The planted promenade sits beneath successive white arches, giving the garden walk a clear architectural rhythm.

L'Umbracle Valencia, the elevated garden

The walkway is public and free to enter, offering a view of the architectural ensemble from a little height without buying a museum ticket. Dusk turns it into a free place to look over the complex, with the sea pulling the eye past the roofs. Come to look at the buildings as much as from them.

What the promenade frames

From the elevated garden, you can look over the rest of the complex and towards the Mediterranean. Take time to photograph the planting and the white arches along the elevated walkway. Slow the pace and let each arch section the view differently.

Fitting it into the complex day

Slot the walk between museum visits or consider dusk for the sea views. For other visits, browse the places index or consult another garden guide before choosing your next walk. It is the rare Calatrava you use with your feet only.

Planning a garden walk

Consider dusk for the sea views, and give yourself time to look at the white arches and the rest of the architectural complex. It is a public garden walk with free entry, separate from the ticketed museum visits; plan your time around what you want to see. Bring a layer if the weather forecast calls for it, and wear comfortable shoes for the promenade.