SPAIN : VALENCIA
Valencia is a medium-sized port city and the third largest city in
Spain
city with a population of some 740.000.
The greater Valencia is an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar in
Spain. It is the capital of the Land of Valencia and of province of
Valencia. Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers
and mild winters.
Gastronomically, the region is home to paella, Spain's most famous
dish. Historically, it is believed that the Holy Grail resides in
Valencia's cathedral and it was here that El Cid fought the Moors. With
its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, vibrant festivals,
recently renovated old town and lively night life, this is definitely a
city that has everything a visitor would want for a varied and
interesting holiday.
Founded by the Greeks, it was later taken over by the Romans who
renamed it Lucentum (City of
Light). In the second half of the eighth century it was conquered by the
Moors, and the city was finally retaken in 1246 for the Castillian
crown. In 1308 it was incorporated in to the Kingdom of Valencia.
In the Barrio del Carmen the ancient winding streets the buildings date
from Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and
15th century, is primarily of gothic style but contains elements of
baroque and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the gothic
Basilica of the Virgin. The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are
part of what was once the wall surrounding the city.
UNESCO has declared the gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a
world heritage sight. The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is
one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station (Estación Del
Norte) is built in art deco style.
The major tourist attraction is the amazing City of
Arts and Sciences which attracts 4 million annual visitors. The world-renowned
architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and
Sciences. It contains a science museum, an IMAX cinema, and the
oceanographic park. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named
after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace is another good
example of modern architecture in Valencia.
Valencia plays an important role on the European art circuit. The city’s
galleries contain works by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.
The climate tends to be mild all year round and one of
Spain's greatest festivals, Las Fallas, takes place every March when
revellers enjoy a week long party with fireworks and massive bonfires
every night.
