Spain’s third largest city, Valencia was once a Roman military colony.  Since its founding in 137 BC, it has been occupied by Visigoths, Moors and Aragonese. The city is an important industrial centre, and Spain’s busiest port.  Famous for its oranges, it is also a gastronomic centre and is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The city, and particularly the port area, has been undergoing a transformation after the city became the first in Europe to host the Americas Cup in 2007.

See:

• Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral – This predominantly Gothic cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
• La Lonja de la Seda – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this building was founded in the late 15th century, and became a Silk Exchange.  It is now used to house exhibitions.
• City of Arts and Sciences – As a consequence of severe flooding in 1957, the decision to reroute the Turia River was made.  The dry riverbed was converted into a large park, and in 1996 construction began on a modern cultural complex designed by a local - world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava. 

Experience:

• Fallas – Celebrations culminating on St Joseph’s Day (19th March), this Valencian tradition involves 2 weeks of festivities including brass bands, burning statues, firecrackers, bonfires, processions, flowers and fireworks.
• Nightlife – Valencia is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and typical for Spain, things don’t really kick off until after midnight.  Different areas cater to different crowds, and some areas near the beach are more popular in summer months.  A drink created in Valencia’s thriving nightlife scene in 1959 is now very popular here.  Known as Agua de Valencia, it is made of sparkling wine, gin, vodka and orange juice, and sweetened to taste.

Secrets of the City:

• Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar – Better known as El Cid, a name derived from the Arabic word meaning “chief”.  He conquered Valencia in the late 11th century effectively creating his own kingdom here, albeit for a short period.  His story inspired the 1961 film starring Charlton Heston and Sofia Loren.