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Valencia València
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Valencia in the Valencian Community
Valencia Location of Valencia in Spain
Coordinates: 39°28′13″N 0°22′36″W / 39.470239°N 0.376805°W / 39.470239; -0.376805
Country	Spain
Autonomous Community	Valencian Community
Province	Valencia
Comarca	Valencia
Founded	137 BC
Districts	List Ciutat Vella Eixample Extramurs Campanar Saïdia Pla del Real Olivereta Patraix Jesús Quatre Carreres Poblados Marítimos Caminos al Grao Algirós Benimaclet Poblados del Norte Poblados del Oeste Poblados del Sur
Government
- Type	Ayuntamiento
- Mayor	Rita Barberá Nolla (Partido Popular(PP))
Area
- City	134.65 km2 (52 sq mi)
Elevation	15 m (49 ft)
Population (2008)INE
- City	810,064
- Density	6,016.1/km2 (15,581.6/sq mi)
- Urban	1,175,000 to 1,564,145
- Metro	1,705,742 to 2,300,000
- Demonym	Valencià, valenciana Valenciano, valenciana
Time zone	CET (GMT +1)
- Summer (DST)	CEST (GMT +2) (UTC)
Postcode	46000-46080
ISO 3166-2	ES-V
Website	http://www.valencia.es

Valencia (Valencian: València) is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain, with a population of 810,064 in 2008.^[1] It is the 22nd-most populous municipality in the European Union and 35th-most populous urban area in the European Union with a population of 1,175,000^[2] or 1,564,145.^[3] 1,705,742^[4][5][6] or 2,300,000^[7] people live in the Valencia metropolitan area.

It is integrated into an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar. Its main festival, the Falles, is worldwide known, while the traditional dish, paella, originated around Valencia.

The city contains a dense monumental heritage (including the Llotja de la Seda (World Heritage Site since 1996), but its landmark is undoubtedly the City of Arts and Sciences, an avant-garde and futuristic museum complex.

Name

The original Latin name of the city was Valentia (/wa'lentia/), meaning "strength", "valour", the city being named for the Roman practice of recognizing the valour of former Roman soldiers after a war. The Roman historian Titus Livius (Livy) explains that the founding of Valentia in the 2nd century BC was due to the settling of the Roman soldiers who fought against Iberian local rebel, Viriatus.

During the rule of the Muslim Empires in Spain, it was known as بلنسية (Balansiya) in Arabic.

By regular sound changes, this has become Valencia (/ba'lenθja/) in Spanish^[8] and València (/va'ɫɛnsia/) in Valencian. The Valencian pronunciation in the local dialect (in Valencian) is /ba'ɫensia/.

History

Quart Towers, is one of the twelve doors that was part of the ancient City Walls.

The city of Valencia, is in the province known in ancient days as Edetania. The Roman historian Florus says that Junius Brutus, transferred there (140 BC) the soldiers who had fought under him. Later it was a Roman military colony. In punishment for its adherence to Sertorius it was destroyed by Pompey, but was later rebuilt, and Pomponius Mela says that it was one of the principal cities of Tarraconensis province. The city was founded by the Romans in 137 BC on the site of a former Iberian town, by the river Turia.

The city has been occupied by the Visigoths, the Moors and the Catalan and Aragonese.

The Moors occupied the territory peacefully in 714 A.D. When Islamic culture settled in, Valencia – then Balansiya – prospered, thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver-work. The architectural legacy from this period is abundant in Valencia and can still be appreciated today in the remains of the old walls, the Baños del Almirante bath house, Portal de Valldigna street and even the Cathedral and the tower, El Micalet, which was the minaret of the old mosque.

View of the bell towers of Micalet and Santa Catalina Church

After the death of Almanzor and the unrest that followed, 'the Cid' conquered Valencia for the short period from 15 June 1094 – July 1099. He turned nine mosques into churches and installed the French monk Jérôme as bishop (this victory was immortalised in the Lay of the Cid). On the death of the Cid (July 1099), his wife, Doña Ximena, retained power for two years, after which Valencia was besieged by the Almoravids. The city was returned to the Almoravids in 1102. Although the 'Emperor of Spain' Alfonso drove them from the city, he was not strong enough to hold it. The Christians set fire to it, abandoned it, and the Almoravid Masdali took possession of it on 5 May 1109. The event was commemorated in a poem by Ibn Khafaja in which he thanked Yusuf ibn Tashfin for the liberation of the city. The Almoravid and the Almohad dynasty would rule Valencia for more than a century. In 1238, King James I of Aragon the Conqueror, with an army composed of French, English, Germans and Italians, laid siege to Valencia and on 28 September in that same year forced a surrender. 50,000 Moors were forced to leave. Poets like Ibn al-Abbar and Ibn Amira mourned their exile from their beloved Valencia. On 9 October, King James, followed by his retinue and army, took possession. The principal mosque was purified, Mass was celebrated, and the "Te Deum" sung. James incorporated city and territory into the newly formed Kingdom of Valencia, one of the kingdoms forming the Crown of Aragon, and populated the new Kingdom with Catalan people on the coast and Aragonese people on the interior.

Catholic sources state that Saint Vincent Ferrer preached so successfully (sometime between 1390 and 1411), converting thousands of Jews, that he was permitted to employ the synagogue for his newly-founded hospital of San Salvador.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia was one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. The writer Joanot Martorell, author of Tirant lo Blanch, and the poet Ausiàs March are famous Valencians of that era.

Cathedral of Valencia

The first printing press in the Iberian Peninsula was located in Valencia. The first printed Bible in a Romance language, Valencian, was printed in Valencia circa 1478, attributed to Bonifaci Ferrer. See Spread of the printing press.

Valencian bankers lent funds to Queen Isabella for Columbus' trip in 1492.

In 1519–1522 the Guilds revolts took place. In 1609, the Moriscos were expelled from the city.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, Valencia sided with Charles of Austria. On 24 January 1706, Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, 1st Earl of Monmouth, led a handful of English cavalrymen into the city after riding south from Barcelona, capturing the nearby fortress at Sagunt, and bluffing the Spanish Bourbon army into withdrawal.

The English held the city for 16 months and defeated several attempts to expel them. English soldiers advanced as far as Requena on the road to Madrid. After the victory of the Bourbons at the Battle of Almansa (25 April 1707), the English army evacuated Valencia and the city subsequently lost its privileges, including important civil rights called furs by the way the Bourbons decided to burn important cities like Xativa, where actually is still the picture of the Spanish Bourbon turned back as protest.

A narrow street of the Old Medieval City.

During the Peninsular War Valencia was besieged by the French under Marshal Suchet from Christmas Day 1811, until it fell on January 8 the next year.

The last victim of the Spanish Inquisition, a local schoolteacher called Cayetano Ripoll, was executed in Valencia in July 1826 accused of being a deist and freemason.

During the Spanish Civil War, the capital of the Republic was moved to Valencia. The city suffered from the blockade and siege by Franco's forces. The postwar period was hard for Valencians. During the Franco years, speaking or teaching Valencian was prohibited; in a significant reversal it is now compulsory for every child studying in Valencia.

Modern history

In 1957 the city suffered a severe flood by the Turia River, with 5 metres (16 ft) of water in some streets. One consequence of this was that a decision was made to drain and reroute the river and it now passes around the Western and southern suburbs of the city. A plan to turn the drained area into a motorway was dropped in favour of a picturesque 7 km (4 mi) park which bisects the city.

Valencia was granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982.

On 9 July 2006, during Mass at Valencia's Cathedral, Our Lady of the Forsaken Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI used, at the World Day of Families, the Santo Caliz, a 1st-century Middle-Eastern artifact believed by many to be the Holy Grail. It was supposedly brought to that church by Emperor Valerian in the 3rd century, after having been brought by St. Peter to Rome from Jerusalem. The Santo Caliz ("Holy Chalice") is a simple, small stone cup. Its base was added in medieval times and consists of fine gold, alabaster and gem stones.^[9]

Valencia was selected in 2003 to host the historic America's Cup yacht race, the first European city ever to do so. The America's Cup matches took place in summer 2007. On 3 July 2007, Alinghi defeated Team New Zealand and successfully defended the America's Cup. 22 days later, on 25 July 2007, the leaders of the Alinghi syndicate, holder of the America's Cup, officially announced that Valencia would be the host city for the 33rd America's Cup, held in June 2009.^[10]

Architecture

Escola Pia, Valencia

The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to 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 (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city.

UNESCO has recognised the Late Gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a World Heritage Site.^[11] The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station Estación Del Norte is built in modernisme (the Spanish version of Art Nouveau) style.

World-renowned (and city-born) architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), which 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. 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.

Façade of Real Colegio del Corpus Christi.

The cathedral was called Iglesia Mayor in the early days of the Reconquista, then Seo (from Latin sedes, i.e. (archiepiscopal) see), and in virtue of the papal concession of 16 October 1866, it was called the Basilica metropolitana. It is situated in the centre of the ancient Roman city where some believe the temple of Diana stood. In Gothic times, it seems to have been dedicated to the most Holy Saviour; the Cid dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin; King Jaime the Conqueror did likewise, leaving in the main chapel the image of the Blessed Virgin which he carried with him and which is believed to be the one which is now preserved in the sacristy. The Moorish mosque, which had been converted into a Christian church by the conqueror, appeared unworthy of the title of the cathedral of Valencia, and in 1262 Bishop Andrés de Albalat laid the cornerstone of the new Gothic building, with three naves; these reach only to the choir of the present building. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the tower, called "Miguelete" because it was blessed on St. Michael's day in 1418, which is about 166 feet (51 m) high and finished at the top with a belfry.

Old station of Nord.

In the fifteenth century the dome was added and the naves extended back of the choir, uniting the building to the tower and forming a main entrance. Archbishop Luis Alfonso de los Cameros began the building of the main chapel in 1674; the walls were decorated with marbles and bronzes in the over-ornate style of that decadent period. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the German Conrad Rudolphus built the façade of the main entrance. The other two doors lead into the transept; one, that of the Apostles in pure pointed Gothic, dates from the fourteenth century, the other is that of the Paláu. The additions made to the back of the cathedral detract from its height. The eighteenth century-restoration rounded the pointed arches, covered the Gothic columns with Corinthian pillars, and redecorated the walls. The dome has no lantern, its plain ceiling being pierced by two large side windows. There are four chapels on either side, besides that at the end and those that open into the choir, the transept, and the presbyterium. It contains many paintings by eminent artists. A magnificent silver reredos, which was behind the altar, was carried away in the war of 1808, and converted into coin to meet the expenses of the campaign. Behind the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful little Renaissance chapel built by Calixtus III. Beside the cathedral is the chapel dedicated to the "Virgen de los desamparados".

In 1409, a hospital was founded and placed under the patronage of Santa María de los Inocentes; to this was attached a confraternity devoted to recovering the bodies of the unfriended dead in the city and within a radius of three miles (5 km) around it. At the end of the fifteenth century this confraternity separated from the hospital, and continued its work under the name of "Cofradia para el ámparo de los desamparados". King Philip IV of Spain and the Duke of Arcos suggested the building of the new chapel, and in 1647 the Viceroy, Conde de Oropesa, who had been preserved from the bubonic plague, insisted on carrying out their project. The Blessed Virgin was proclaimed patroness of the city under the title of "Virgen de los desamparados" 'Virgin of the abandonees', and Archbishop Pedro de Urbina, on 31 June 1652, laid the corner-stone of the new chapel of this name. The archiepiscopal palace, a grain market in the time of the Moors, is simple in design, with an inside cloister and a handsome chapel. In 1357 the arch which connects it with the cathedral was built. In the council chamber are preserved the portraits of all the prelates of Valencia.

The Hemispheric at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia, Spain

Among the parish churches those deserving special mention are: Saints John (Baptist and Evangelist), rebuilt in 1368, whose dome, decorated by Palonino, contains some of the best frescoes of Spain; El Templo 'the Temple', the ancient church of the Knights Templar, which passed into the hands of the Order of Montesa and which was rebuilt in the reigns of Ferdinand VI and Charles III; the former convent of the Dominicans, at present the headquarters of the "capital general", the cloister of which has a beautiful Gothic wing and the chapter room, large columns imitating palm trees; the Colegio del Corpus Christi, which is devoted to the exclusive worship of the Blessed Sacrament, and in which perpetual adoration is carried on; the Jesuit college, which was destroyed (1868) by the revolutionary Committee, but rebuilt on the same site; the Colegio de San Juan (also of the Society), the former college of the nobles, now a provincial institute for secondary instruction.

Squares and gardens

Town Hall

The largest square is the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, which contains the town hall (ajuntament), a cinema which shows classic movies (La Filmoteca), and many restaurants and bars. This is where the noisy fireworks of the mascletà can be heard every afternoon during the Las Fallas.

The Plaça de la Verge contains the Basilica of the Virgin and the Turia fountain, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Around the corner is the Plaça de la Reina, with the Cathedral, orange trees, and many bars and restaurants.

The Turia River was diverted in the 1960s, after severe flooding, and the old river bed is now the Turia gardens, which contain a children’s playground, a fountain, and sports fields. The Palau de la Música is adjacent to the Turia gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences lies at one end.

Other gardens in Valencia include the Real, Monforte, and Botanical gardens.

Famous people born in Valencia and Valencia province

Mayor Rita Barberá in 2008.

• Pope Alexander VI, Pope from 1492 to 1503.
• Ausiàs March, Poet.
• Joan Roís de Corella, poet and writer.
• Pope Callixtus III, Pope from 1455 to 1458.
• Luis de Santángel, finance minister.
• Alfonso III, King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona (as Alfons II).
• King James II of Aragon.
• King Peter III of Aragon (Peter the Great).
• Josu De Solaun Soto, classical music pianist
• Guillén de Castro, famous Spanish writer of the Spanish Golden Age (1569–1631).
• Joanot Martorell (1413–1468), knight and writer the author of the novel Tirant lo Blanch.
• Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Spanish realist novelist writing in Spanish, a screenwriter and occasional film director (1867–1928).
• Joaquin Sorolla, painter,who excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes.
• Joan Lluís Vives, a scholar and humanist.
• José Benlliure y Gil, painter.
• Antonio José Cavanilles, taxonomic botanist.
• José Iturbi, conductor and pianist.
• Luis García Berlanga, film director and screenwriter.
• Saint Vincent Ferrer, Dominican missionary and logician.
• Nino Bravo (birth name, Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis), popular singer (1944–1973)
• Santiago Calatrava, internationally recognized and award-winning architect.
• Joan Fuster, philologist, historian and writer.
• Josep Maria Bayarri, linguist, poet and writer.
• Joaquin Rodrigo, Music Composer.
• Manuel Palau, Music Composer.
• Raimon, composer and singer.
• Francisco Tárrega, influential Spanish composer and guitarist.
• Enric Valor i Vives, grammarian and writer.
• Manuel Sanchis i Guarner, philologist, historian and writer.
• María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, Spanish Socialist Workers' Party politician and the first female First Deputy Prime Minister of Spain.

Economy

Valencia has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last decade, much of it spurred by tourism and the construction industry.^{[citation needed]} Air Nostrum, a regional airline, is headquartered in Valencia.^[12]

Port

Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes (Saint Michael of the Kings), Valencia

Valencia’s port is the biggest on the Mediterranean Western coast,^[13] the first of Spain in Container Traffic as 2008^[14] and the second of Spain^[15] in total traffic, handling 20% of Spain’s exports.^[16] The main exports are food and drink (the Valencian region is famous for its oranges), furniture, ceramic tiles, fans, textiles and iron products. Valencia’s manufacturing sector focuses on metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and brewing. Unemployment is lower than the Spanish average. Small and medium sized industries are an important part of the local economy.

Following the announcement that the 32nd America's Cup would be held in Valencia in 2007, the port underwent radical changes in which the port was divided into two parts, one part remaining unchanged while the other section would be used exclusively for the America's Cup festivities. The two sections are now divided by a wall that goes deep into the water in an attempt to maintain clean water for the America's Cup side.

Detail of the Dosaigues's door

Tourism

Formerly an industrial city, Valencia saw rapid development that started in the mid-1990s, expanding its cultural and touristic possibilities, which turned it into a vibrant city, restoring old landmarks like the old Towers of the medieval city (Serrano Towers and Quart Towers), monasteries like the San Miguel de los Reyes monastery, which now holds a specialized library, the whole Malvarrosa beach, with the construction of a 4 km (2 mi) long paseo or complete quarters, like the old Carmen Quarter, which has seen extensive renovation.

Another appealing feature of the city is its numerous convention centres, like the Valencia Fair (Feria de Valencia), the Conference Palace (Palau de Congressos) and several 5 star hotels.

The first America's Cup competitions took place in June and July 2005 and were key attractions during the summer of 2005. According to official data from the organizing committee, as many as 150,000 visitors flocked to Valencia's port each day during the two-week events.^{[citation needed]}

Demographics

One notable demographic change in Valencia in the last decade has been the growth in the foreign born population which has risen from 1.5% in the year 2000^[17] to 15.1% in 2009,^[18] a trend that has also occurred in the two larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona^[19] The main countries of origin were Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Morocco and Romania.^[20] Between 2007 and 2008 there was a 14% increase in the foreign born population with the largest numeric increases by country being from Bolivia, Romania and Italy.

Climate

Valencia experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Koppen climate classification Csa),^[21] with Semi-arid climate (BSh) influences. Its average annual temperature is 17.8 °C (64.0 °F): 22.3 °C (72.1 °F) during the day and 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) at night. In the coldest month - January, the average sea temperature is 13–14 °C (55–57 °F). In the warmest month - August, the typically temperature during the day ranges from 28–34 °C (82–93 °F), above 23 °C (73 °F) at night, the average sea temperature is 28 °C (82 °F).

Average number of days above 21 °C (70 °F) is 200, average number of days above 32 °C (90 °F) is 11 (1 in June, 4 in July, 4 in August and 2 in September). Average morning relative humidity: 82%, evening relative humidity: 55%.^[22] Sunshine hours is till 2,594 per year, from 150 in November (5 hours of sunshine every day) to 310 in August (10 hours of sunshine every day).^[23]

Culture

Valencia skyline

Valencia is known for Las Fallas, which is a famous local festival held in March, for paella valenciana, traditional Valencian ceramics, intricate traditional dress, and the striking new architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences designed by its own son, architect Santiago Calatrava.

La Tomatina, an annual tomato fight, draws crowds to the nearby town of Buñol in August. There are also a number of well preserved Catholic fiestas throughout the year. Holy week celebrations in Valencia are considered the most colourful in Spain. Valencia has a metro system, the Valencia Metro.

Valencia is also famous for its football club Valencia C.F., which won the Spanish league in 2002 and 2004 (in which year it also won the UEFA Cup), and was also a UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2000 and 2001, it is one of the most famous football clubs in Spain and Internationally. Its city rival Levante UD currently plays in the second division.

Sant Joan del Mercat

Historical central market of Valencia

Valencia is the current location of the Formula One European Grand Prix, first hosting the event on August 24, 2008. The city will host the event until at least 2014.

Languages

The two official languages spoken in the city are Valencian and Castilian . Due to political and demographic pressure in the past, the predominant language is Spanish, but Valencian is predominant in most of the surrounding metropolitan area and province of Valencia.^[25] In fact the government weakly emphasizes the usage of the local language. It does this, for example, by posting all signs and announcements of the Metro in Valencian and Spanish translations in smaller type underneath. Valencian is also used when naming streets. New street signs, when erected, are always given the Valencian name for street (Carrer). However the older street names bearing the Spanish names are only replaced when necessary. This results in a situation where in longer streets both languages can often be seen on street signs.

Nightlife

Valencia is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Today, the more alternative/bohemian bars and nightclubs are concentrated in the Carmen, while the student nightlife is found around Blasco Ibáñez and Benimaclet, the more mainstream weekend nightlife has its clusters in the areas of Cánovas and Joan Llorens. In the summer, there is also nightlife on the beach and at the Port. Agua de Valencia is the city's unofficial cocktail.^{[citation needed]}

Food

Valencia is famous for its wonderful gastronomic culture. Paella – a simmered rice dish that includes seafood or meat (chicken and rabbit), horchata, fartons, buñuelos, Spanish omelette, rosquilletas and squid (calamares) are some examples of typical Valencian foods.

Museums

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia

The IMAX 3D-cinema L'Hemisfèric.

• Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències City of Arts and Sciences

  The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. It is situated in the former Túria river-bed and comprises the following monuments:

  • Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

    A flamboyant opera and music palace with four halls and a total area of 37,000 m².

  • L'Oceanogràfic

    Biggest aquarium in Europe, with a variety of ocean beings from different environments: from the Mediterranean, fishes from the ocean and reef inhabitants, sharks, mackerel swarms, dolphinarium, inhabitants of the polar regions (belugas,walruses, penguins), coast inhabitants (sea lions), etc. L'Oceanogràfic exhibits also smaller animals as coral, jellyfish, sea anemones, etc.

  • El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe

    An interactive museum of science but resembling the skeleton of a whale. It occupies around 40,000 m² (430,556.42 sq ft) on three flats.

• Museu de Prehistòria de València Prehistory Museum of Valencia
• Museu Valencià d'Etnologia Valencian Museum of Ethnology
• House Museum Blasco Ibáñez
• IVAM – Institut Valencià d'Art Modern – Centre Julio González Julio González Centre – Valencian Institute of Modern Art
• Museu de Belles Arts "San Pío V" Museum of Fine Arts
• Museu Faller Fallas Museum
• Museu d'Història de València Museum of History of Valencia
• Museu Taurí de València – Bullfighting Museum
• MuVIM – Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i la Modernitat Valencian Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity
• Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí - National Museum of Pottery and Sumptuary Arts González Martí

Transportation

Public transport is provided by the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) which operates the Valencia Metro and other rail and bus services. The Valencia Airport is situated 9 km (5.6 mi) west of downtown Valencia.

Districts of Valencia

• CIUTAT VELLA: La Seu, La Xerea, El Carmen, El Pilar, El Mercado, San Francisco.
• EXTENSIÓ: Russafa, El Pla del Remei, Gran Via.
• EXTRAMURS: El Botànic, La Roqueta, La Pechina, Arrancapins.

Palace of the Generalitat Valenciana

• CAMPANAR: Campanar, Les Tendetes, El Calvari, Sant Pau.
• LA SAÏDIA: Marxalenes, Morvedre, Trinitat, Tormos, Sant Antoni.
• PLA DEL REAL: Exposició, Mestalla, Jaume Roig, Ciutat Universitària
• OLIVERETA: Nou Moles, Soternes, Tres Forques, La Fontsanta, La Luz.
• PATRAIX: Patraix, Sant Isidre, Vara de Quart, Safranar, Favara.
• JESUS: La Raiosa, L'Hort de Senabre, The Covered Cross, Saint Marcelino, Real Way.
• QUATRE CARRERES: Montolivet, En Corts, Malilla, La Font de Sant Lluís, Na Rovella, La Punta, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
• POBLATS MARÍTIMS: El Grau, El Cabanyal, El Canyameral, La Malva-Rosa, Beteró, Nazaret.
• CAMINS DEL GRAU: Aiora, Albors, Creu del Grau, Camí Fondo, Penya-Roja.
• ALGIRÒS: Illa Perduda, Ciutat Jardí, Amistat, Vega Baixa, la Carrasca.
• BENIMACLET: Benimaclet, Camí de Vera.
• RASCANYA: Orriols, Torrefiel, Sant Llorenç.
• BENICALAP: Benicalap, Ciutat Fallera.

• POBLES DEL NORD: Benifaraig, Poble Nou, Carpesa, Cases de Bàrcena, Mauella, Massarrojos, Borbotó.
• POBLES DE L'OEST: Benimàmet, Beniferri.
• POBLES DEL SUD: Forn d'Alcedo, Castellar-l'Oliveral, Pinedo, el Saler, el Palmar, el Perellonet, la Torre,

Gallery

Llotja de la Seda	Basilica Virgen de los Desamparados	The Micalet	View of the cathedral
L'Hemisfèric, a 3-D Cinema	"Pont de l'assut de l'or" bridge and the "Ágora" in construction	One of many sculptures in the river gardens	L'Umbracle
A falla	Valencian girls with their historical costumes	The paella originated in Valencia, Spain and later spread to other Spanish cities	Albereda avenue, Valencia

International relations

Twin towns - Sister cities

Valencia is twinned with:^[26]

See also

Spain portal

• Archdiocese of Valencia
• Benimaclet
• El Cid
• Ibn al-Abbar
• Spanish wine
• Valencia Metro (Spain)
• Valencia Street Circuit
• Llotja de la Seda

References

• This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.
• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography by William Smith (1856).

Notes

External links

• Valencia, Spain travel guide from Wikitravel
• Official website of the city of Valencia (Spanish) (English) (Valencian) (French)
• Website Muslim heritage history of medieval Valencia
• Official tourism website of the city of Valencia (Spanish) (English) (German) (French) (Italian) (Japanese) (Chinese) and in Valencian + easy-access static pages in all eight languages
• Valencia on Wikitravel
• Levante-emv.com Local Newspaper (Spanish)
• Valenciatrader.com Local Online Magazine with large archive (Spanish)
• Valencia Congress and Convention Centre

Comarques of the Valencian Community Alacantí · Alcoià · Alcalatén · Alt Maestrat · Alto Mijares · Alto Palancia · Alt Vinalopó · Baix Maestrat · Baix Vinalopó · Camp de Morvedre · Camp de Túria · Canal de Navarrés · Comtat · Costera · Horta Nord · Horta Oest · Horta Sud · Hoya de Buñol · Marina Alta · Marina Baixa · Ports · Plana Alta · Plana Baixa · Requena-Utiel · Rincón de Ademuz · Ribera Alta · Ribera Baixa · Safor · Los Serranos · València · Vall d'Albaida · Valle de Cofrentes · Vega Baja del Segura · Vinalopó Mitjà

From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Valencia (disambiguation).

Valencia city hall

Valencia [1], pronounced baˈlenθia (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /vaˈlɛnsia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia province of Spain that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union, with 810,064 inhabitants in the city proper and 1,832,270 in the Metropolitan Area (INE 2008). It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of Barcelona and three hours to the east of Madrid. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March (see [2]), for being the birthplace of paella, for hosting the "2007 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called The City of Arts and Sciences.

There used to be a river running through the center of the city, but the river was redirected a while back and replaced by a beautiful park. This is a very nice place to spend any free time you have in the city on a sunny day.

L'Umbracle, City of Arts and Science

Valencia was host to the 2007 America's Cup [3]. This fact, along with the construction of the "City of Arts and Science" [4] by renowned architect and Valencian Santiago Calatrava have made Valencia a city in transition. Massive construction and transformation over the last 10 years have turned a once little-considered medium city into a meatier and more interesting destination.

Despite being on the Mediterranean Sea, even residents say that "Valencia has always lived with its back to the sea", meaning that the spirit and the core of the city is not necessarily integrated with its beach. The city center and the most visited neighborhoods are not particularly close to the beach.

• Summer — Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on vacation. At this time of year Valencia is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30-40°C (86—104°F).

• Fall — September and October are more active months and the weather permits beach outings. Sidewalk cafes are still open until around the end of October.

• Winter — Though temperatures are still relatively mild, it's too cold to sunbathe at the beach.

• Spring — A lovely time to visit. The annual "Fallas de San José" [5] unofficially marks the beginning of spring. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.

Talk

Valencia's official languages are Valencian, and Spanish, but only Valencian is the native language of the city [6]. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, not many people speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valencian is often preferred. As in Barcelona, with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, for example "Lingua Valencia" [7]. English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Most people under 35 speak some English and some quite a bit, but most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish or Valencian. French may be spoken or understood by some.

Get in

By plane

Valencia Airport [8] (IATA: VLC) is 9 km from the city center. The bus to Túria station departs every 30 minutes and takes about 30-40 minutes. Subway [9] goes directly to the town centre and links the Airport to the main train station, Estación del Norte (beside Xàtiva metro stop), running every 8 minutes and taking about 20 minutes.

A taxi ride form the airport to Calle de La Paz, which is in the heart of the historic city centre and covering a distance of approximately 11km costs around €19 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €4. The tarifs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English. The same journey back from Calle de La Paz to the airport costs a bit less. These fees are accurate as of August 2008.

Valencia is served by Iberia, Spanair, Lufthansa, AirFrance, Clickair, AirBerlin, TuiFly, Lagunair, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling, and several other airlines.

By train

Many trains come from Madrid (eg: Alaris), Barcelona (eg: Euromed or ARCO), and many other cities. The main train station, Estacion del Norte, is in the center of the city, near the Town Hall. Travel time by train from Barcelona Sants is about 3 1/2 hours.

The national train company is RENFE [10]. You can check tickets and book online. no

By bus

There are also many buses coming from almost every big city in Spain and most of the cities in the Valencia region. The bus station is located by the river in Valencia, about a 15 minutes walk from the center.

By boat

Direct ferry routes exist between Valencia and Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Mahon.

Get around

For train and bus transport it is possible to buy bonos in kiosks and tobacco shops. Both Bonobus (which as of June 2009 costs €6) and Bonometro (which as of July 2008 costs €6.10) allow for 10 rides. If you want to use two lines to reach your destination, you have to use a B-T (which as of July 2008 costs €7).

By bicycle

Renting a bike is an increasingly popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city.

• Do You Bike, Calle Marqués de Busianos, 4, ☎ +34 96 315 55 51, [11]. 10AM-2PM, 5-8PM. Rents bikes at relatively reasonable prices. Also a store on Calle Puebla Larga, 13 and Avenida Puerto 21. €2/hour, or €7/day during the week, €10/day on weekends. Helmet and pump €1.  edit

By foot

Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Much of this city can be done walking, stopping for a coffee or a beer, and then walking more, all very leisurely. It's not necessary to have the mindset of mastering a complex public transportation system. However, for longer trips, see below for some pointers.

By train

The Metro Valencia [12] consists of five lines (from which one is a tramway to the beach) and connects the suburbs with the city. As of 2009, a one way ticket costs €1.40. This metro system is not extensive, but can get you to major points within the city. If you want to get the tram, you have to buy a ticket from the machine, then validate it, before you get on.

If you use the metro a lot, you should consider getting a one-, two- or three-day pass, which can be quite economical. For just over €10, you can ride for 72 hours on the metro and tram as much as you like during that time; a bonus is that if you buy a ticket at, for instance, 16:00 on a Monday, it will expire not on Wednesday night, but on 16:00 Friday.

By bus

EMT [13] runs buses to virtually every part of the city.

City of Arts and Science

• City of Arts and Science (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), ☎ +34 90 210-0031, [14]. 10AM-9PM. Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, in the near future, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava.  edit

• The Barri del Carme neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents, to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers, but please respect the neighbors who live there.

• The Seu — A curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. A trip up the Micalet tower (formerly Moorish, but now "Christianized") provides a pleasing view of the city.

• The Llotja — This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty.

• The Mercat Central — Located in an aging "modernist" building in the process of being renovated. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, or olives.

• Walk along the old Tùria river bed, now a park with soccer and rugby fields, an artificial boating lake, athletics track, playgrounds, fountains, and trails. This massive elongated park spans many neighborhoods and ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. Abundant bike paths make it an ideal place to get in a little exercise and sun.

• Torres de Quart, at the end of Calle Quart. This pock-marked medieval tower was part of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city. Another set of nearby towers called the Torres de Serrano were also part of ancient wall. The Serrano towers have been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but they are still interesting and are located across the street from the park.

• Lladró Porcelain Museum and Factory, take bus 16 from city center to its end at Tavernes Blanques suburb. Here is the Lladró Porcelain factory. Visit is free, but it has to be scheduled before. You visit the factory, the process or porcelain making and at the end a large collection of Lladro porcelain some worth $30,000. Photos allowed only at the collection.

Do

Fallas

Fallas 2006, before igniting the papier maché models

What are Fallas? The origins of the Fallas Festivity [15] goes back to an old tradition of the city's carpenters, who before the Festivity of their patron Saint Joseph, burned in front of their workshops, on the streets and public squares, their useless things and other wooden utensils they used to hold the candles that gave them light during the winter season. This is the reason why the night of the cremà (in which the Fallas monuments burn down) is always on March 19th, the Festivity of San José. In the 18th century, Fallas used to be piles of combustible materials that where called "Fallas" and where burnt the night before the day of San José. These Fallas evolved and acquired a more critical and ironic sense when showing in the monuments reprehensible social scenes. Around 1870, the Fallas celebration [16] was forbidden, as well as Carnival. In 1885 this pressure created a movement that defended typical traditions by awarding in the magazine "LaTraca" the prizes to the best [htpp://www.lasfallas.net Fallas] Monuments. This competition, which began to be popular among different neighbourhoods, brought the creation of the artistic Falla, where critique was still an important element together with aesthetics. In 1901 the Ayuntamiento de Valencia awarded local prizes to the best Fallas. This was the beginning of the union between the people and the political power. This relationship has greatly developed this popular festivity in its structure, organisation and size. In 1929 the first poster contest for the promotion of the Festivities and in 1932 the Fallero weekend was established. It what then, when Fallas became the Mayor Festivity of the Region of Valencia. Today, more than seven hundred big and small Fallas are burned in the city of Valencia.

Valencia has a fantastic festival each March called Fallas [17], in which local areas build big papier maché models. They are mostly of a satirical nature and can be as tall as a few stories. Fallas are constructed of smaller figures called ninots, Valencian for "dolls". The fallas take a whole year of planning and construction to complete. Each neighborhood has a falla, but 14 fall into the Sección Especial category and these are the most important, expensive, and impressive. Each falla has an adult falla (mayor) and a kid's falla (infantil). It is best to arrive by 16 March, as all of the fallas are required to be finished or they face disqualification.

Another feature of Fallas is the fireworks. It's like the city's a war zone for a week! They wake you up early in the morning and go on through the day. Every day, there are three fireworks events, la despertà, la mascletà, and el castillo. La despertà occurs every morning at 8AM in order to wake you up. At 2PM in the main square of the city, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there's a thing they call Mascletá. This is 120 kilos of gunpowder translated into a lot of noise. It has to be experienced to be understood. This is very popular and you should arrive an hour in advance at least. Every night between midnight and 1AM, there is a castillo, a fireworks display. The last night it's called la nit de foc, the night of fire, and this is the most impressive. This is also very crowded and you need to arrive early to be able to see it. Along with these displays, people set off fireworks all day, making it very difficult to catch any sleep.

The days of 17th and 18th of March is La Ofrenda. The falleras from each falla take flowers to the Plaza of the Virgin. These flowers are used to construct the virgin. The processions are grand and very beautiful and worth catching. They follow two main paths: one down calle San Vicente and the other down Calle de Colon.

At the end of a week displaying the 'fallas' they are burnt. This is called la cremà. The fallas infantiles are burned at 10PM and the fallas mayores are burned anywhere from midnight to 1AM. The one at the town halls is burned last at 1AM. The most impressive to see are the fallas in Sección Especial, because these are the largest and most dramatic when they burn. These tend to be very crowded and one should arrive early.

Things one should do during fallas:

• Go around and see the various fallas, but especially the Sección Especial.
• Pay to enter one of the bigger fallas to get a closer look at the individual ninots.
• See la mascletà and the la nit de foc.
• See one of the various parades, especially the ofrenda.
• See the virgin made of flowers.
• Buy churros or buñelos at one of the many stands on the street.
• Go to one of the temporary bar/nightclubs set up on the street and dance all night long.

Things one should be aware of:

• Most of the streets in the city are closed to everything, except pedestrian traffic and it is difficult to get around. The best way to get around is either by walking or taking the public transportation. Driving a car is not a good idea.
• Most of the restaurants are very crowded and some are not open. There is usually very long waits and slow service and you should plan for this in your schedule.
• Most of the hotels are also very crowded and should be booked in advance.
• Many people throw fireworks near pedestrians and its very easy to get burnt or injured.
• Some of the fallas, like Nou Campanar, are well outside the city center and are quite far by foot, it is much easier to take a bus.

• Fallas Museums

If you can't be in Valencia at the time of the festival, you can at least get an idea of what it's all about by visiting one or both the following museums: Museo Fallero [18] Museo de Artistas Falleros [19]

• Abla Lenguas [20] is like the young, dynamic alternative to the big institutions. Private (one to one) classes mean you can basically start any time and choose when you want your lessons. This and the plenty of young people around make it quite suitable for travellers.
  • Tel: +34 963 125 614, email: idiomas247@gmail.com, address: Calle de la Paz 6, Planta 1ª, 46003 Valencia (near Plaza de la Reina in town).

• Don Quijote [21] Spanish school in Valencia is a great school where you can take 4-6 hours of courses a day. All courses including beginner courses are taught entirely in Spanish.

Buy

Patriarca Square (Plaza del Patriarca) is a good place to look for the major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, Farrutx, etc.

• KandaBooks, Calle de la Tapineria, 18, ☎ 639 740 746, [22]. A new international secondhand bookshop and exchange near the Plaza de la Reina. Run by a friendly couple who are always happy to help find the perfect book or gift, you can find both fiction and non-fiction for those first learning different languages, to award winners for those advanced learners or natives in English, Spanish, French or German. They also offer sweet treats from the UK, inspiring nature photos, beautiful handmade greeting cards and badges of local scenes.  edit

• Local paella — There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish, some with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), others with fish or seafood, or even meat and fish at the same time. It is very difficult to say which is the "real" paella, as every person has his/her own version (Though NO paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic Paella, try it at the Malvarosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian Paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity).

• Arròs a banda and arròs negre — This rice is black because it contains squid ink. You can find these dishes at the same places as above.

• Fideuà, a paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in the Gandía and Denia area (Alicante) and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try too.

• All i pebre — All i pebre is made of eel, a snake like fish typical from the Albufera, a lagoon near Valencia. You can drive to El Palmar and taste it there. Delicious, but a very special taste. You can find good paella, and other traditional dishes at the restaurants here too.

• Llet merengada — A kind of milk-based soft ice cream with a cinnamon-lemon taste.

• Bunyols — Fried doughnuts, sometimes round shaped, sometimes like rings. Widely available only during March. Dip them in hot chocolate. Sometimes they are too oily, so don't eat a lot of them or you will not be hungry again for several hours. If you can choose the 'carabasa' (pumpkin) version, you should try it. They are generally tastier.

• Orxata — A drink made from "xufa", a root of the size of a peanut. Especially popular during the summer months.

Drink

Barrio del Carmen is a major nightlife destination in Valencia. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and dance joints, which tend to cater to a youngish crowd.

• Radio City, Santa Teresa 19-2, Barri del Carmen (2 blocks off Plaza Tossal), ☎ 34 96 391-4151 (medios@radiocityvalencia.com), [23]. 10 PM - 3:30 AM. A popular bar come club with a crowded dance floor playing a variety of danceable world music. The crowd is mixed locals and travellers, mostly under 30. Agressive bouncers.  edit

• Calcata — This is a slightly upscale, younger crowd nightclub in a beautifully renovated old building. Weekends from 3 AM. Entry €10 includes a drink.

• Café Infanta, Plaza Tossal 3, Barri de Carme, ☎ +34 96 392-1235. Bar and cafe with outdoor seating, decorated with Hollywood memorabilia. Watch and absorb the spirit of the neighborhood.  edit

• Blau — This is a newer bar on Calle Alta in Barri del Carme that plays groovy music and has a good mix of people.

• Venial, Quart 32, ☎ +34 96 391-7356. Gay and hetero-friendly disco in Barri del Carme, located near the typical drinking haunts of the neighbourhood, but open after everything else closes.  edit

• Johnny Maracas, Calle Caballeros, Barri de Carme. Plays Brazilian and Spanish flamenco. Always a good atmosphere, although drinks a little pricey.  edit

• Blue Iguana, Almirante Cadarso, 30. This is one of the best nightclubs in Valencia. New and old good music all night offered by Dj Moisés.  edit

Plaza del Cedro is a nice place where all possibilities are given to spend a night partly o complete in less touristic ambiance than in the center.

• A lot of Bodegas and Tapas bars where you can get typical Spanish dinner for quite good prices. When you arrive early (the Spanish early) at about 8PM they are usually having special offers like "Tercio y Tapa" for about €1. To find them orientate more to the parallel streets to Carrer de Doctor Manuel Candela.
• Later to drink something occupying the time between dinner and going out there are many bars with different kind of music present.
• If you feel like dancing there are 4 famous pubs where especially at the weekends a lot young people can be found. The entrance is normally for free and they are almost neighbors all located in Calle Campoamor. The music is more alternative (Rock/Indie/Pop) that in general in Spain but it changes depending on the DJ. So just have a look to all of them to find the one you like most. They are closing at half past three in the morning and if you don't want to be alone maybe the best time to arrive is between half past one and half past two. For more details see:
  • El Tornillo [24]
  • Velvet Underground [25]
  • Wah Wah [26]
  • Matisse, Calle Campoamor 60
• Additionally there is typical Spanish nigh-life feeling on the Plaza del Cedro itself. Different kind of people enjoying the mild Mediterranean clime to sit outside talking, drinking and playing guitar often until the sunrise.

Other centres of are night-life are Cánovas (more up scale), Juan Llorens (young also, less "alternative"), around the university (students), and increasingly in the area near the beach and port.

Wine lovers may want to explore the wineries of the Valencia wine region [27], including Bodega El Angosto, Bodegas Los Frailes, and Bodegas Murviedro.

• Agua de Valencia — Valencia water is a very famous mixed drink. There are several recipes, mainly based on a mix of orange juice and Cava, the local sparkling wine.

• Orxata — Earth almond milk with "fartons" (pronounce it with accent in the second syllable). In Castillian it is called Horchata

• Cibada — An iced malt drink.

• Llima Granizada — Iced lemonade.

• Café del Temps — Espresso on ice.

• Blanc i Negre — Iced coffee with leche merengada.

Sleep

Staying in or near Old Town means you will hardly need transport, unless you go to the beach.

Budget

Hostels

• Red Nest Hostel (Hostels Valencia Spain), Calle de la Paz 36 Valencia Spain, ☎ +34 963 427 168 (info@rednesthostel.com, fax: +34 963 427 128), [28]. A good budget hostel Valencia in the city center.  edit

• Purple Nest Hostel (Hostels Valencia Spain), Plaza Tetuan 5 Valencia Spain, ☎ +34 963 532 561 (info@purplenesthostel.com, fax: +34 963 427 128), [29]. A good budget hostel in Valencia hostel in the city center.  edit

• Indigo Youth Hostel, Calle Guillem de Castro,64, ☎ +34 963 153 988 (info@indigohostel.com), [30]. Small, friendly hostel in city centre.  edit
• Center-Valencia, Calle Samaniego 18, Barrio del Carmen, [31]. checkout: 11 AM. Brand new, functional, almost too tidy. Free internet and wi-fi. Laundry. No smoking or alcohol. Dorm bed €21.  edit

• Hôme Hostels, Plaza Vicente Iborra S/N 46003 - Valencia - SPAIN, ☎ +34 96 391 37 97 (info@likeathome.net), [32]. The best youth hostels in Valencia [33]. Located in town center. Specialized in backpackers and groups. The cheaper one in Valencia. Enjoy the real Spanish life, stay comfortable in one of the Hôme Hostels, all located in the heart of the historical center of Valencia. From €15.  edit

• Hostal al Rincon, Calle Carda 11, Mercado, [34]. Single without bath €17. Wi-fi. Safe parking. These guys claim to have been around for over 400 years!  edit

• 50flats, Calle de Espinosa 13 esquina con G.V. Fernando el Católico [46008] Valencia -España, ☎ +34 963 239 550 (info@50flats.com, fax: +34 962 069 950), [35]. From €50.  edit

• 40flats, Av. Instituto Obrero Nº 20 [46013] Valencia -España, ☎ +34 963 356 793 (info@40flats.com, fax: +3963 356 692), [36]. 100 meters away from the city of Arts and Sciences. Big and comfortable apartments with good quality and cheap prices. Daily rent apartments in Valencia, Aparthotel From €50.  edit

• 11flats, C/ Santo Tomás 22 esquina con C/ Alta [46003] Valencia -España, ☎ +34 648 185 693 (info@11flats.com), [37]. Located in the center. From €50.  edit

• 5flats, C/ del Conde de Trenor s/n [46003] Valencia -España, ☎ +34 648 185 693 (info@5flats.com), [38]. Located in the center. From €50.  edit

• Rooms DeLuxe, Av. Instituto Obrero nº 20 [46013] Valencia - Spain, ☎ +34 963 356 793 (info@roomsdeluxe.com, fax: +34 963 356 692), [39]. A different type of hotel , 28 thematic rooms designed and decorated by 28 distinct artist. Close to the City of Arts and Sciences, cheap and special. Perfect for couples, very romantic, an experience you will never forget. From €40.  edit

• Accommodation Valencia Apartments, Calle del Hospital 1, ☎ +34 963 382 383 (info@accommodation-valencia.com, fax: +34 963 382 384), [40]. A choice of over 40 centrally located and equipped apartments.  edit

• Apartamento Pintor Maella, Calle Pintor Maella nº3, ☎ +34 609 28 99 27 (pisopintormaella@gmail.com), [41]. Lovely apartment with excellent location within five min of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias shopping centres. Close to the marina, the beach of la Malvarrosa, and the furure Formula 1 urban cycle. Next to bus stop and very close to metro stop Ayora. Recommended.  edit

• Expo Hotel Valencia[42], Avda. Pío XII, 4, (34) 96 303 36 00. An ideal location situated within the Nuevo Centro. Offering 3* surroundings, great service and with a private swimming pool, it's a perfect base for business or pleasure visits.

• NH Villacarlos Address: Avenida del Puerto, 60, 46023, Email: nhvillacarlos@nh-hotels.com, Tel.: +34 96 3375025, Fax: +34 96 3375074 [43]. The hotel is within walking distance of the historic centre and the commercial heart of the city, as well as La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Valencia football stadium Mestalla and the Palau de la Música. There are a few other NH hotels in Valencia [44] if this one doesn't take your fancy.

• Hilton Valencia, Avenida Cortes Valencianas 52, Tel: 34-96-303 0000, Fax: 34-96-303 0001, [45]. Five star hotel.

• Barceló Valencia, Av. Francia 11, ☎ +34 963 306 344 (valencia@barcelo.com), [46]. A brand new hotel near the Arts and Sciences complex, ideal for business visitors. €1-200.  edit

• Confortel Aqua 4, C/Luis García Berlanga 19-21, ☎ +34 96 318 71 00, [47]. Near the City of Arts and Sciences, this is a brand new hotel.  edit

• Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Eugenia Vines 22-24, [48]. A five star hotel facing the sea. €160-550.  edit

• Eurostars Gran Valencia, Valle de Ayora, 3, (info@eurostarsgranvalencia.com), [49]. Rooms from €95.  edit

• Albufera — A fresh water lake. Rice is cultivated in the surrounding area. The Albufera also hosts many interesting varieties of migratory birds. The local village in the area, El Palmar, is also a good place to try some paella or other local dishes.

• Saler — These beaches are on "protected" land and are the cleanest, most secluded beaches within easy reach of the city. Accessible by bus, but that requires a good level of organization. A round-trip taxi ride should cost between €10-20, depending on how far along the beach you go.

• Manises, 15 km south west of Valencia. It is not only the site of Valencia's airport, but also an important center for pottery. Some 100 ceramics factories are located in the municipality, where the art has been practiced for at least 700 years. At the MCM Museum, there are exhibitions about the history of ceramics in the area.

• La Tomatina, hosted by nearby Buñol on the last Wednesday of August. A festival that involves thousands of participants throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. Make sure you wear clothes that you can throw out after wards, as it gets very messy.
• Rent a car and do a day trip to any number of picturesque villages or small cities in the region, including Chulilla, Sot de Chera, Xátiva, Sagunto, among others.