Valencia City Hall facts for kids
The Valencia City Hall (also known as Casa consistorial de Valencia in Spanish or Palau consistorial de València in Valencian) is a very important building in Valencia, Spain. It's where the local government of the city works. Think of it as the main office for the city's leaders. In 1962, it was named a Bien de Interés Cultural, which means it's a special building protected for its history and art.
The City Hall is actually made up of two main parts. One part used to be a school, and the other is a newer front section. Inside this amazing building, you can also find the Municipal History Museum.
History of the Building
The Municipal History Museum opened its doors in 1927. It's located in what used to be the school's chapel. This museum has a special room called the Room of the Fueros. In 1956, an artist named Ramón Stolz Viciano painted pictures of eight medieval kings in this room. The first king he painted was James II of Aragon, who was important for conquering the city of Valencia.
The City Hall During the Spanish Civil War
From November 1936 to October 1937, during the early part of the Spanish Civil War, the Valencia City Hall played an even bigger role. It shared its main meeting room with the Cortes Generales. The Cortes Generales were like the main parliament or congress of Spain at that time, representing the Second Spanish Republic.
Sadly, on May 28, 1937, the City Hall was bombed by the Italian Air Force. They were helping the Nationalist side in the war. This bombing caused a lot of damage, costing about 2 million Spanish pesetas (which was a lot of money back then!). To keep the children who were still being taught at the City Hall safe during the war, a special underground bomb shelter was built. This shelter was big enough to protect up to 700 people.
Images for kids
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The debating chamber where city leaders meet.
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The speakers' seats in the main hall.
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An old air raid shelter built during the war to protect people.
