Valencia is a city that remains true to its most typical features: its light, the moon, dust, paella, flowers and fallas.
All are essential elements in attempting to explain something that is actually impossible to put into words. Valencia has to be
visited and discovered in order to see how centuries-old traditions exist alongside truly modern elements. To see how the sea
and the city are compatible. How green gardens continue to exist alongside a modern urban layout. That by day and by night,
Valencia is unique. And now, the capital of El Turia is even more. The city's countless attractions that have stood for
hundreds of years are now joined by breathtaking modern infrastructures such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the
Prince Felipe Museum, closely connected to the world of culture, as would be expected in these surroundings. They are
very much the crowning glory of a city forever in motion, a further adornment to an already beautiful backdrop.
Thanks to its geographical location, Valencia has served throughout history as Spain's main port on the
Mediterranean, with all of the special charm of cities of this kind. Its fine sands, clean waters, open sea and nearby
mountain ranges bestow the Valencian coast with a unique beauty.
To the south of the city, nature blossoms in all its glory in the beach of Saler and the Natural Park of l´Álbufera,
where visitors may enjoy the sun in a landscape seen nowhere else in the world.
Valencia is commerce and culture, cinema, theatre, museums, music and business. It is an international centre
for cutting-edge design, and one of Europe's busiest trade fair and congress destinations. The installations of the
Feria Valencia are only five minutes from the city centre, with excellent communications by regular bus and
metro services. Also, the Congress and Exhibitions Centre, designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster, is a
unique, surprising building. Inside it contains a series of flexible spaces that can be adapted to any type of event,
with a full range of technical and logistical equipment.
Walking through the city of Valencia, it is possible to feel the heartbeat of countless centuries between its
walls and beneath its pavements. From the remains of the Roman forum founded by Junius Brutus, beneath the
present day Plaza de la Virgen, the original site of the city of Valentía, to the emblematic City of Arts and Sciences,
Valencia has gradually transformed its layout, at the same time as rescuing monuments that bear witness to
former times.
In the historic centre of the city is the cathedral, first built in the thirteenth century and with later additions.
The main façade features a large Baroque doorway, to the left of which is the Miquelet, the symbol of Valencia, a large
octagonal tower begun in 1381 and completed in 1429. Its name is taken from the main bell, which was officially 'baptised'
on St. Michael's day (San Miguel). The cathedral includes the Puerta del Palau, a Romanesque doorway that is the oldest
in the building, and the Puerta de los Apóstoles, in front of which the Tribunal de las Aguas meets. For more than
1000 years, this tribunal has helped resolve conflicts between farmers on the distribution of water for growing crops in the area.
The interior of the cathedral is Gothic, with three naves with a transept, and an apse with an ambulatory. A small chapel
contains an agate chalice, reputed to be the legendary Holy Grail.
Next to the cathedral is the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados (The Virgin of the Forsaken), the city's
most popular church, which contains an image of the Virgin, the patron saint of Valencia. The Virgen is kept by the main altar,
lavishly dressed and decorated with flowers and candles. Inside the Baroque church is a fresco-painted dome by Antonio
Palomino, which have recently been restored. During the Fallas an offering of flowers is made to the Virgin in the square
in front of the church.
The Church of San Salvador, in Baroque style with a Gothic bell tower from the thirteenth century, contains an
Ecce Homo painted by the artist known as El Divino Morales. Nearby is the Church of San Lorenzo, again in
Baroque style with a flamboyant 'Churrigueresco' altarpiece and beautiful tiling.
The Town Hall, built in 'Eclectic' style with Neo-Classic and 'Academicist' elements in the early twentieth century,
incorporates the eighteenth-century Real Casa de la Enseñanza. Its most outstanding features are its main
staircase, the 'Glass Salon', Hemicycle and Municipal Historic Archive.
The Turia Gardens, in what was once the bed of the city's river, today includes 5 kilometres of gardens, sports
fields and children's play areas, criss-crossed by a dozen bridges. Overlooking the gardens is the modern Palau de la Música,
the city's main concert hall. The Botanical Garden contains more than seven thousand species of trees and bushes, many of which are sub-tropical.
The Museum of San Pío V. This former seminary today contains an art museum with more than 2000
works dating from ancient times until the nineteenth century, including Valencian altarpieces from the fourteenth and
fifteenth centuries, pieces by Hieronymus Bosch, Murillo, Ribalta, Van Dyck, Juan de Juanes, Goya, and works by
Valencian artists from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The Torres de Serrano is the main gateway in the city's ancient walls. It was built on the orders of king Jaime I in 1238. One and
a half centuries later, the Gothic towers flanking the gateway were added
The Barrio del Carmen is an old neighbourhood of narrow winding streets next to an old Carmelite monastery.
The inside of the Church of Santa Cruz, a Gothic building with a Baroque doorway, is decorated with tiles dating from the sixteenth century.
The Museum of Prehistory contains a collection of more than 5000 rock carvings and paintings of deer and horses on limestone,
found in the cave of Parpalló, near Gandía.
The Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) is one of Spain's most popular museums, and is installed in two buildings.
The Julio Fernández Centre contains nine galleries, including two dedicated to the Valencian artists Julio González and Ignacio
Pinazo. The former Carmelite Convent nearby now contains the Centro del Carmen, offering temporary exhibitions of modern art.
The Torres de Quart flank another important gateway in the city's walls, built by Pere Bonfill in the mid-fifteenth century. The
walls still show the points of impact of projectiles fired by the French army during the siege of Valencia in 1808. The walls were recently
restored, maintaining the impact points.
The Church of San Nicolás was built during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries over the site of a former mosque, and then
reformed in Baroque style. Its interior contains paintings by Juan de Juanes, a crucifixion scene from the fifteenth century, French enamel
work from the sixteenth century, and canvases by Masip. The nearby church of La Compañía contains a tapestry by Juan de
Juanes representing the Immaculate Conception.
The Lonja is a magnificent Gothic building that once contained the Silk Exchange and Maritime Consulate. Today it is used as
an exhibition and concert space. Its walls are crowned by gargoyles with representations of grotesque figures. The high ceiling of the Exchange
Hall is formed by a ribbed vault supported by graceful columns. The Maritime Consulate Hall is covered by a beautiful carved ceiling in multicoloured wood.
The Central Market is a large Art Nouveau building first opened in 1928, made of iron, glass and tiles, and full of light. Its stalls,
selling seafood, fruit and vegetables, are a glorious spectacle of colour.
The Mercado de Colón is built in similar style, and is today used as an area for relaxation, the perfect spot to
enjoy a coffee in the bustling heart of the city.
La Iglesia de San Agustín es una iglesia barroca que conserva gran cantidad de pinturas de Ribalta y Juan de Juanes.
Valencia's Estación del Norte railway station was built between 1907 and 1917, and is inspired by the Austrian
Art Nouveau style. The hall and cafeteria are decorated with tiles and stained glass windows representing scenes of life in the Valencian countryside.
Next to the station is the bullring, and alongside it the Bullfighting Museum.
The Church of San Martín was built in the fourteenth century, and then reformed in Baroque style. Its façade is crowned by a beautiful
fifteenth-century statue of St. Martin. Its interior contains paintings by Ribalta, and a portrait by Goya.
The National Museum of Ceramics is installed in the palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, an impressive eighteenth-century building
with a baroque doorway surrounded by sculptures by Ignacio Vergara. It contains a magnificent collection of prehistoric, Greek, Roman and
mediaeval ceramics, works by Picasso, and a beautiful traditional Valencian kitchen with splendid tiles.
The Colegio del Patriarca is a seminary built in the seventeenth century around a Renaissance patio on two floors. The building
contains gold and silverwork, embroidery, sculptures, and an excellent collection of paintings, including works by El Greco, Juan de Juanes,
Ribalta, Morales, van der Goes, Mabuse and Caravaggio. The walls and ceilings of the church are covered by paintings by Bartolomé Matarana.
During mass on Friday mornings, while the Miserere is sung, a mechanism raises the altarpiece over the main altar, presided by a painting by Ribalta,
to reveal a large Crucifixion scene from the fifteenth century.
The Gothic church of San Juan del Hospital was founded by the Knights of Malta around 1300, next to a former hospital that still contains a
beautiful patio covered in tiles. Nearby are the Baroque church of Santo Tomas and the house of San Vicente de Ferrer, where the saint was born in 1350.
Finally, to the south of the historic centre, is the building that was once the convent of Santo Domingo, with an elegant Renaissance
doorway designed by King Felipe II. To the left is the church, next to the 'Chapel of the Kings', in Gothic style. Inside is the Renaissance tomb
of the Marquis of Zenete and the painter Juan de Juanes and his wife. It also contains a Gothic cloister in 'Flamígero' style, and a Chapter
House with a Gothic funerary monument.
One of the most important modern-day symbols of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, opened in July 1996. Stretching nearly two kilometres
along the former river bed of the Turia, and in the heart of the city, this futuristic complex contains 5 main elements:
L'Hemisfèric, the Prince Felipe Science Museum, L'Umbracle, L'Oceanográfic and the Palau de les Arts.
L'Hemisfèric is a planetarium, IMAX cinema and 'laserium', designed by the architect from Valencia, Santiago Calatrava, representing a huge human
eye open to the world, the "eye of wisdom". Its large concave screen is used for projecting all three types of audiovisual spectacles.
L'Umbracle contains a car park with spaces for 900 vehicles and 20 buses, and above a garden with a balcony offering sweeping views over the
City of Arts and Sciences. It is full of local species such as the Rock Rose, Mastic trees, Rosemary and Bougainvillea, which change shape and colour
with the seasons and fill every corner of the building with exuberant life.
The 'Prince Felipe' Science Museum was designed by the local architect Santiago Calatrava. It is a spectacular building covering more than
40,000 square metres, with exhibitions aimed at bringing the public into contact with the world of science and technology. It has large, open areas,
designed as a cutting-edge museum with interactive displays, firmly focused on offering a 'hands-on' experience, inviting visitors to touch, think and feel.
The Museum's programme is not permanent, instead regularly renewing its contents.
The City of Arts and Sciences extended its offer to the public with the opening of the Universal Oceanographic Park, the largest in Europe,
designed by the architect Félix Candela. The park contains displays of the main marine ecosystems from all over the planet, from the Atlantic,
the Mediterranean and the Continental Seas, to the frozen waters of the Arctic and the Antarctic, and the habitats of warm or tropical seas.
Part of its work is also focused on education, preservation and research projects on marine sciences. A unique structure in the world for its size
and design, as well as the important collection of species it contains, the Oceanographic Park offers visitors the opportunity learn about the
behaviour of animals such as dolphins, sea lions, seals or sharks, or to discover the wonders of coral ecosystems and the waters of the Mediterranean.
The Palace of Arts is the latest addition to the City of Arts and Sciences. A majestic building also designed by Santiago Calatrava, it covers
some 40,000 square metres and rises to a height of 75 metres, providing the city of Valencia with an ideal backdrop for events on the international circuit,
particularly opera, concerts and theatre, with 4 different halls.
For centuries, Valencia has been a source and stronghold of culture. As a Mediterranean city, and firmly in keeping with the lifestyle of its
inhabitants, a large number of events are held in the open air, with the support of public and private institutions.
Some of the most important events held in the city include:
La Mostra de Valencia/Cinema del Mediterrani. An international film event and a point of reference in the Mediterranean area.
Cortocircuito. A short film season held continuously throughout the year in different settings throughout Valencia.
Cinema Jove. An event for young filmmakers with the backing of the International Film Producers' Federation, and a member of the
European Coordination of Film Festivals (ECFF).
Filmoteca d´Estiu.
Premis tirant, held as part of Valencia's audiovisual fortnight.
Scenic Arts.
VEO (Valencia Escena Oberta), a festival dedicated to the scenic arts, with plays, music and dance events.
The International Performance Art Meeting, held in the Valencian Institute of Modern Art, with events and workshops
ocusing on artistic expression.
The marching bands of the Community of Valencia are known all over the world, and since 1886 a competition has been held every July.
More than 2000 musicians parade on the stage of the Palau de la Música and the Bullring.
Jazz a L´IVAM, is the name of a series of Jazz concerts held in the hall of the IVAM. The concerts are held every
Thursday in the month of September. Entry is free until the hall is full.
The 'José Iturbi' international piano competition is held in September every two years, in the Palau de la Música.
Valencia is a city with a wide variety of festivals, some of which are famous all over the world, and others that are less well known,
although by no means less important or significant. In chronological order, these are:
JANUARY San Antonio Abad and San Vicente Mártir (the city's patron saint)
MARCH San José (the Fallas)
APRIL Holy Week and San Vicente Ferrer (the patron saint of the Community of Valencia)
MAY Las Cruces de mayo, La Virgen de los Desamparados (the city's patron saint) and Corpus Christi.
JUNE Festivals of San Juan
JULY The July Fair.
OCTOBER 9th October (Community of Valencia Day and Sant Dionís), and the 'Moors and Christians' festival.
The city's gastronomy is a reflection of its culture and surroundings. Rice takes pride of place in local dishes,
together with vegetables. Rich stews are also made using fish caught in the region.
Paella is Valencia's best-known dish at international level, although other specialities include
arroz a banda made with fish, and 'arrós amb fesols i naps', a succulent rice dish made with turnips and green beans, typical in winter.
Others include baked rice with tomato, chickpeas, paprika, longaniza sausage, black pudding, potatoes and pork ribs, or fideuá,
made with noodles and seafood
The most typical local drink from Valencia is horchata, made from tigernuts. Popular cocktails include
Agua de Valencia, made from sparkling Spanish Cava and fresh orange juice.
The region is also famous for its desserts, such as pelaillas, cakes made from sweet potato, or marzipan. Their main ingredients are
almonds, sugar and honey. Another typical product is turrón, a type of almond nougat with different textures and ingredients,
mainly produced in the town of Jijona (Alicante).
27th 'Popular Marathon' of Valencia; this event is organised each year by the Correcaminos Sports Society.
Open Tennis Championship of the Community of Valencia; held at the installations of Valencia's Tennis Club in April.
32nd Americas' Cup, the world's oldest trophy with 152 years of history, bringing together the world's most experienced
yachtsmen and women. The winners announced on 25 July 2007 that Valencia would once again play host to the next edition in 2009.
City of Valencia Aerial Festival; held on the beach of Malvarrosa, with planes from all over Spain, abroad, and the Air Force.
24th San Silvestre Popular Valencia; a popular running event held on the city's streets.
12th World Covered Track Championships; the flag of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is currently
in the hands of the representatives from Valencia, with the event to be held between 7-9 March in the Palacio Luis Puig
European Formula 1 Grand Prix; from 2008 the city's streets will play host to a Formula 1 Grand Prix event, along the port's
interior quayside and then towards the City of Arts and Sciences. The Grand Prix will be held in September or November and then in
August, thanks to the agreement signed between Bernie Ecclestone and the Regional Government of Valencia.
The Community of Valencia motorcycle Grand Prix, normally held at the end of October each year at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit,
15 km from the city. This is the last championship race in the World Series, meaning that spectators are guaranteed the thrill
of knowing the winner of each category.
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