Valencia (València in Valencian) is Spain's third city, with about 840,000 inhabitants, and capital of the Valencian Community. On the Mediterranean, with a mild climate all year, it combines a large historic centre, contemporary architecture, city beaches and world-famous food. In 2024 it was European Green Capital.
History
Founded by the Romans in 138 BC as Valentia, it was then Moorish for five centuries, as Balansiya, and briefly taken by El Cid in 1094. In 1238 James I of Aragon conquered it for good, and the Kingdom of Valencia was born within the Crown of Aragon. The fifteenth century was its golden age: Valencia was one of the richest ports in the Mediterranean, a centre of silk, trade and literature in Valencian; from nearby Xàtiva came the Borgia family, who gave the Church two popes. During the civil war it was the Republic's capital for a year. In 1957 a flood devastated the city: the Turia river was diverted and its old bed turned into a park. In October 2024 a DANA, a violent storm system, caused catastrophic floods in many towns south of the city, with over two hundred deaths.
What to see
- The cathedral, with the Miguelete bell tower to climb and the chapel of the Holy Chalice, venerated as the Holy Grail. Every Thursday the Water Tribunal, which has settled irrigation disputes since the Middle Ages, meets at its Apostles' door.
- The Lonja de la Seda, the silk merchants' exchange, a masterpiece of civic Gothic and a UNESCO site.
- The Central Market, one of Europe's largest, in a modernista building, and the Mercado de Colón.
- Barrio del Carmen, with the Serranos and Quart towers, murals and nightlife.
- Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza Redonda and the Marqués de Dos Aguas palace, home of the Ceramics Museum.
- The Turia Gardens, nine kilometres of park in the old riverbed, ideal for cycling and running, with the giant Gulliver for children.
- The City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela: the Hemisfèric, Science Museum, Palau de les Arts and the Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium.
- The Bioparc, IVAM for modern art and the Museo de Bellas Artes, with Velázquez, Goya and Sorolla.
- Malvarrosa and Las Arenas beaches, with the Cabanyal district and the Marina.
Paella and the Albufera
Paella valenciana was born in the countryside around the city: the traditional version is made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofó beans and sometimes snails, cooked over a wood fire; the seafood version is called arroz a banda or de marisco. The best place to eat it is the Albufera Natural Park, a large lagoon ringed by rice fields south of the city, with the village of El Palmar and spectacular sunsets. Also try horchata with fartons (see Spanish cuisine).
Festivals
The Fallas, 15-19 March, are the most famous festival; July brings the Gran Fira with its battle of flowers, and late August the Tomatina at nearby Buñol (see festivals).
Practical information
Manises airport is linked to the centre by metro; Joaquín Sorolla station has high-speed trains to Madrid, about an hour and a half. The city has metro, tram, buses and the Valenbisi public bikes. Winters are mild, summers hot and humid. From Valencia you can visit Xàtiva, Sagunto, Peñíscola and the Costa Blanca. See also Erasmus in Spain: Valencia is a student favourite.