Information
Landmark: Palacio del Marques de Dos AguasCity: Valencia
Country: Spain
Continent: Europe
Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, Valencia, Spain, Europe
The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas is a landmark mansion in Valencia, widely considered the finest example of Rococo architecture in Spain. It currently serves as the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts.
Visual Characteristics
The palace is world-renowned for its Alabaster Portal, a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque.
The Entrance: Sculpted by Ignacio Vergara, the main door depicts two large figures representing the Turia and Júcar rivers, which pour water to symbolize the title of the Marquis (Dos Aguas means "Two Waters").
The Facade: The exterior walls are decorated with frescoes and intricate plasterwork that mimics pink marble, topped with an ornate shield of the Marquis.
The Interior: The building maintains its 19th-century aristocratic opulence, featuring frescoes, gilded moldings, Carrara marble floors, and silk-lined walls.
Location & Logistics
Address: C/ del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València.
Transit: Located in the "Golden Mile" luxury shopping district. Nearest Metro stations are Colón (Lines 3, 5, 7, 9) and Xàtiva.
Entry: General admission fee applies. Access is typically free on Saturday afternoons (after 16:00) and all day Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Historical Context
Originally a Gothic palace, the building was extensively remodeled in 1740 by the 3rd Marquis of Dos Aguas. In the mid-19th century, it underwent further eclectic renovations. The Spanish state acquired it in 1949 to house the vast ceramic collection of Manuel González Martí.
Key Highlights
The Carriage Court: Houses historical 18th-century carriages, most notably the Carriage of the Nymphs.
The Ceramic Collection: Displays pieces ranging from Prehistory to modern works by Picasso, with a massive focus on local Manises and Paterna pottery.
The Ballroom: A grand hall designed for social gatherings of the nobility, featuring original furniture and elaborate mirrors.
The Valencian Kitchen: A reconstruction of a traditional 19th-century kitchen entirely decorated with regional tiles (azulejos).
Nearby Landmarks
Plaza de la Reina: 0.3km North.
National Museum of Ceramics: (Housed within the palace).
Patriarca Museum: 0.1km East.
Valencia Cathedral: 0.4km North.
