Valencia Spain Land of Orange Groves

Capital of the Comunidad Valenciana this vibrant city is famous
for being the place where El Cid (Spains national hero) fought
against the Moors.

Situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, it possesses two urban
beaches still within the township plus several beaches just a
bus ride away such as Cullera, Ganda and Oliva.

Valencia also has a good, modern shopping center, a pulsating
nightlife and plenty to interest the children ... Gulliver Park
Playground, Botanical Gardens, Zoo and lOceanogrfic that
wonderful aquarium and the biggest in Europe.

The most important fiesta of this city is that of the Fallas
which lasts from 15th-19th March. Easter Week is also very much
celebrated, with some splendid processions.

And, of course, Valencia offers plenty of culture and history!

At the heart of old Valencia is the Plaza de la Virgen, once the
location of the Roman Forum. Around this beautiful square is the
Cathedral dating from 1262, and its octagonal bell tower called
Micalet or Miguelete which is landmark to Valencia.

In the Cathedrals Museum are works by several wonderful artists
such as Goya, Jacomart, Cellini and Paggibonsi.

Next to the Cathedral is the Basilica de la Virgen de los
Desamparados a temple dedicated to the patroness of Valencia,
built between 1652 and 1667.

Close by are such buildings as Almudn, the Iglesia de San
Esteban, Palacio de Almirantes de Aragn, Church San Juan del
Hospital and the Convento de Santo Domingo.

The River Turia was actually diverted around the city after a
catastrophical flood in 1957 and the Instituto Valenciano de
Arte Moderno is to-day located in the old river bed.

Well worth seeing also are its three old bridges named Puente
del Real, Puente de la Trinidad and Puente de Serranos.

At the Plaza del Mercado you will find La Lonja, one of the best
civil Gothic buildings in Europe.

At its side is the Baroque church Iglesia de los Santos Juanes
and the bell tower Campanil de la Iglesia de Santa Catalina.

Other buildings of note include the Palacio de la Generalidad,
the Town Gate or Torres de Quart and the Rococo-style Palacio
del Marquis de Dos Aguas.

The Barrio del Carmen is an area representative of traditional
Valencian life, while El Ensanche is more representative of
to-days Valencia.

Valencia is also known as the land of flowers, and its parks and
gardens reflect this with the Jardines de la Alameda, the
Jardines de Montforte, the \Real\ Gardens, the Zoological Garden
and the Botanical Gardens.

This Mediterranean city and land of orange groves you will
surely enjoy!