Valencia Information
Valencia is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast. Spain’s third largest city is without a doubt a place full of contrasts where the remains of a distant past, which began in the year 138 B.C, harmoniously coexist with avant-garde buildings and long sandy beaches.Valencia was founded by the Romans, taken by the Visigoths, and prospered under the Moors. Each civilisation has left its mark. The compact historic centre is packed with historic sites, squares, gardens, museums and charming little streets.
The city's focus is the Plaza de la Virgen with its 13th-15th century cathedral built primarily in Gothic style with elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Highlights in the church’s interior include the Chapel of the Holy Grail with a chalice which is said to be the famous Holy Grail, two paintings of Goya and some stunning Renaissance frescoes of ten musician angels. The octagonal bell tower (known as Micalet) offers vertiginous views across the rooftops.
The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city. La Lonja, the old silk exchange and a UNESCO world heritage site, has a vaulted hall with exquisitely carved columns. The late 19th century Modernista movement, popularised by Anton Gaudí, flourishes here too – the bustling Mercado Central, Europe’s largest covered market, the restaurated Mercado de Colón, now a meeting point for coffee and drinks, and the railroad Station are some wonderful examples.
The river Turia originally ran around the old city, but it kept breaching its banks so it was diverted in the 1960s. The former riverbed is nowadays a verdant 9 km string of trees, trails, lawns and playgrounds - a green haven for cyclists, walkers, sports enthusiasts, music lovers and botanists.
At the far eastern end of the Turia riverbed lays Valencia’s landmark, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, designed by the world-renowned and city-born architect Santiago Calatrava. It contains an opera house/ performing arts centre, a science museum, an IMAX cinema/ planetarium, an oceanographic park and other structures such as a long covered walkway and restaurants. Walking about the 350,000 square meter complex is like strolling on the set of a science-fiction film, or visiting the spectacular capital of another planet.
Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace (Palau de la Música) is another good example of modern architecture in Valencia.
For those wishing to experience the true Mediterranean essence, we suggest a relaxing stroll northbound along the Seafront Promenade from the Royal Marina. The 7 km promenade links northern coast beaches, known as “Malva-rosa” and “El Cabanyal-Arenas”. The fine sand and warm waters have received the highest environmental awards.
Valencia has a very lively nightlife and you are ensured a good night out in a friendly and homely ambience.
More information about Valencia
www.turisvalencia.eswww.valencia-cityguide.com
City of Arts & Sciences of Valencia
Valencia Cathedral
