Travel Eye on Valencia (Spain)

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Overview:

Founded by the Romans in the year 138 BC Valencia has accumulated enormous wealth from all the cultures which have resided here over the centuries. Stroll through Valencia and feel the plurality and evolution of a city where prosperous historical tradition and recent and innovative architecture stand side by side. The historic centre with its religious temples, Gothic Barroque and Modernist monuments, the varied and renowned museums, the architectural projects such as the city of Arts and Science, and the Conference Palace are but a few of the many attractions which Valencia has to offer its visitors.

Valencia is one of the main industrial centres on the Mediterranean. It has also become a European Congress Centre as well as an important focal point for international business and trade fairs. Valencia is a cosmopolitan city and is ideal for commerce and cultural exchange.

Heavily influenced by the sea since its foundation, the city of Valencia's maritime links are as strong now as they have ever been. Thanks to this close relationship with the sea, its expertise in staging important events and the unstinting efforts of central, regional and local government, Valencia has been selected ahead of 65 other cities around the world as the host of the 32nd America's Cup. In hosting this international event in Spring 2007 Valencia will become an exceptional vantage point overlooking the Mediterranean, affording visitors an unrivalled view of the action.

This beautiful Mediterranean city enjoys a mild temperate climate and offers a wealth of gastronomical delights, festivals and cultural events. Browse through the site and find out everything you need to know about your stay. You must visit Valencia to enjoy the very pleasant surprises it can offer.

There are two official languages in Valencia, Valenciano, the regional language of the Valencian Community and Castillian Spanish, the official language of Spain. Both are legally recognized by the 1978 Constitution and the 1982 Statutes of Devolution for the Valencian Community respectively.

Both languages are used on an every day basis in a city which prides itself on respect and protection of linguistic traditions which are the cultural legacy of its citizens.

Locality:

The Valencian coast is on the east of Spain. Valencia lies 350 km east of Madrid and 350km south of Barcelona.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Valencia's nightlife is concentrated in different 'zones' around the city, but the best place to start is the hip Barri del Carme in the heart of the Old City, where stylish restaurants, clubs, and bars are nudged up against each other in the narrow streets.

In 2007, the America's Cup will be hosted in Europe for the very first time in its 152-year history and Valencia is thrilled to have been chosen as the venue for this historic race. Parts of the port area have already been expanded and improved and will be ready for the pre-regatta to be held in autumn 2004. Huge new improvements to the marina and its infrastructure are expected by the time of the race itself in June 2007.

Valencia is crammed with beautiful shops selling expensive children's clothes, toys and things for their bedrooms. If you want something cheap and cheerful, check out Zara which does cool clothes for kids at reasonable prices.

In recent years, buoyed by the wealth generated as one of the most important ports in Spain, Valencia's local government has invested heavily in the tourist infrastructure and built many stunning landmark buildings to serve as attractions for people visiting the city.

Amongst them, the most popular by far is the strikingly futuristic Arts and Science Centre , which dominates the developments along side the Dry bed of the Turia River , and was one of the most dramatic of all the Millennium projects in all of Europe.

Also of great interest are the Museum of fine art , where you can see works by El Greco and Goya amongst others, and also the institute of modern art , which is located in a modern building and contains a selection of work including pieces by Mondriaan and Dali .

Every year on March 19th, the festival of San Jose , Valencia goes absolutely berserk for the celebration of the Fallas , when the streets are filled with parades, and literally hundreds of Paper Mache figures are burned in order to guarantee luck and peace for the next year. If you can get a room in the city over the Fallas, it's a great time to visit Valencia.