Valencia Vacation
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the Mediterranean Sea. The city was founded by the Romans in 137 B.C. It has been occupied by the Visigoths, Moors, and the Aragonese. Muslim influence in the city was great and under the Moors, Valencia experienced successful trading in olives, rice, paper, silk, leather and ceramics.1 In 1094, Spain's national hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, conquered the city for the Christians. The city was conquered again several years later and in 1238 became the Kingdom of Valencia.
Fast Facts
- Country: Spain
- Language spoken: Spanish
- Currency: Euro
- Country code: 34
- Area code: 96
- Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
- Airport code: VLC
- Founded: 138 BC2
- City population: 797,654 (2007)3
- Climate: Mediterranean climate
Attractions
- The Cathedral of Valencia (Seu): This cathedral, built in 1262 was dedicated to Saint Mary by the Conqueror. For 500 years, the cathedral has claimed to posses the chalice that Jesus Christ used during the Last Supper.4
- Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences): This vast and modern complex houses four buildings of learning: one dedicated to learning about the universe, another to ocean habitats, another to science and discovery and the last to artistic mediums such as plays, music and opera.4
- Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno: The opening of this modern center ignited an art revival in the city and gained Valencia recognition as a major art capital in the world. The Julio Gonzalez Centre and the nearby Center del Carmen house the art displays.4
- Palacio de Marques de Dos Aguas: This palace, built in 1496, houses one of the most extensive ceramic collections in Spain. Another highlight is the a Gallery of Humorists, which features caricatures of many famous people.4
- Museo de Bellas Artes: See native Valencian art and sculptures at this museum. The most famous painting is a 1640 self portrait by Diego Velazquez.4
Las Fallas
This annual festival, which started as a way to honor St. Joseph, is held from March 12-19. Today, the festival is a celebration of fire where approximately 300 huge papier-mache sculptures located throughout the city are burned simultaneously on the last day of the feast.5
Mahalo Suggests
If planning a trip, please see Valencia Hotels
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