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
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