Valencia, Spain

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Valencia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hemispheric_-_Valencia,_Spain_-_NYE_Dec_2007.jpg
Author: David Iliff


Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain behind Madrid and Barcelona. With a municipal population of 1.5 million people (2011 estimate), it is the 15th biggest city in Europe.

The city of Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain. It is the capital of the Valencian Community, one of the autonomous communities of the country. The city covers 134 sq km and has an urban area population of 810,000 (2011 estimate).

La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Llotja_columnari1.jpg
Author: Felivet


As with most major cities in Spain, Valencia traces its history back over a thousand years, in fact two, to its founding around 140 BC, when it was a Roman settlement known as Valentia Edetanorum. Valencia fell to the Moors in AD 714, and under the Muslims, it was known as Balansiya. In 1238 it was conquered by crusaders led by King James I of Aragón. This led to the founding of the Kingdom of Valencia. In 1492, the city provided funding to Queen Isabella for Columbus' expedition.

Today Valencia is a city rich in architectural landmarks, both old and new. The historical buildings in Valencia cover a wide range of architectural style from Gothic to Baroque to Romanesque as well as 20th century styles such as modernisme. The silk exchange market of Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda, is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Architectural prowess of Valencia continues into the new millennium with the construction of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciècies (City of Arts and Sciences), a futuristic multi-purpose complex featuring an opera house / performing arts center, science museum and IMAX cinema.

The Cimbori (octagonal tower) of the Cathedral of Valencia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cimbori_almoina_abril.jpg
Author: Felivet

Going to Valencia

By Plane
Valencia Airport (VLC) is located 9 km from downtown Valencia. It receives flights from major cities in Europe. The airport is served by bus and subway connecting it to downtown.

By Train
There are high-speed as well as regular trains connecting Valencia with Madrid and Barcelona. The Madrid-Valencia high-speed railway line began offering trips from 18 Dec, 2010. The trains travel at 350 kph.

Tourist Attractions of Valencia

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