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History & Evolution
The city of Valencia was first founded in 138 BC by Roman legionaries as ‘Valentia’ on the banks of Rio Turia. The town initially developed as an irrigation source for the surrounding regions. As Rome collapsed, the Visigoths moved in, only to be expelled by Muslim cohorts in AD 711.

The Arabs made the city a rich agricultural and industrial center establishing ceramics, paper, silk and leather industries. However, soon the triumphant rampage of legendary Castilian knight El Cid interrupted the Muslim rule in 1094 but almost after a century and a half the Christians retook the city when Jaime I incorporated the area into his burgeoning Catalan kingdom. .

During 15th-16th centuries, Valencia became one of the major trading centers in Mediterranean, therefore, the era was considered Valencia's golden age. During the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-13), Valencia sided Charles of Austria and in retribution the victorious Bourbon king Felipe V abolished Valencia's fueros i.e. privileges the city had enjoyed.

Then in Spanish Civil War, Valencia sided with Republicans (and acting as seat of the Republican government from November 1936 until October 1937) and again was proved unlucky. The city suffered a blockade and siege during the war. The fueros may not have been restored, but benefiting from the decentralization, Valencia and its region was once more granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982.

The new millenium brought construction boom to the city mainly due to 2007 American Cup. It saw the creation of the architecturally magnificent City of the Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) situated over four different sites as an example of how Valencia is showcasing its jewels to the rest of the world.

Site-Seeing
With several ancient architectural sites, contemporary structures, beautiful garden, educative museums and sunbathed beaches, Valencia has it all to lure all types of visitors with distinct interests.

Further famous for its lip smacking cuisines and happening festivals, the city surely not going to disappoint anyone.

La Lonja (Silk Exchange):
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Lonja is the most beautiful ancient building of Valencia. This glorious gothic style Silk Exchange was built in 15th century as a very large civic building.
Location: Plaza del Mercado

La Seu (Cathedral):
Constructed between 1262-1428 on the site of an earlier mosque, this atmospheric cathedral is famous for holding the ‘Holy Grail’ (cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper) among other treasures.

Located on the north side of the central square of the old town of Valencia, this imposing building has predominantly Gothic exterior and a Baroque facade. The Cathedral also offers fine views of the city from its belltower, Torre del Miguelet ('El Micalet').
Location: Plaza De La Reina

City of Arts & Sciences:
Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and built in 1996, The City of Arts & Sciences is an ensemble of five areas in dry riverbed of River Turia. An impressive example of modern architecture, the city is made up of an Opera house & performing arts center, Imax Cinema, Planetarium & Laserium, a Walkway or Garden, a Science Museum and an Open-air Oceanographic Park.

Surrounded by attractive streams and pools of water, this ultra-modern complex occupies a massive 350,000m2 (3,767,400 sq. ft).

Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum):
An assorted mix of ancient and modern galleries featuring works by many of Spain's greatest painters, the museum is the largest in the land after the Prado.

Situated on the northern side of the former riverbed of Rio Turia, the art museum houses works by El Greco, Goya, Velazquez, Ribera, Ribalta and artists such as Sorolla and Pinazo of the Valencian impressionist school.
Location: Calle San Pio

Torres Serranos (Torres de Serranos):
Once the main exit to Barcelona, the well preserved 14th century Torres Serranos are the twin-towers which are one of the two surviving stone gates of the old city walls. Overlooking the bed of Rio Turia, this ancient landmark was poised beside a bridge until it was diverted outside the city because of flood damage.

The gates still possess the pockmarks dating from 19th century Napoleonic invasion.
Location: Calle Conde Trenor