Valencia
If you are visiting Valencia
for the first time or you've heard about this great city, the
first thing that will catch your attention is the incredible
architecture on every corner, the great weather that lasts all
year long, or perhaps the friendly nature of its people. Over
the past few years Valencia has grown tremendously.
What might surprise you even more is its incredible diversity.
Moving from one area of the city to another means being
surrounded by completely different urban landscapes; so much so
that you might even think you're in a different city
altogether. Open, wide, grassy landscapes can be found nestling
in the bustling city centre and history combine with modern
architecture to enthral and amaze
visitors.
THE OLD QUARTER.
A good point to start a sightseeing trip through the city is
without a doubt the historic centre of town, or the town
square, known as the Plaza De La Reina. Here you will find a
large indoor market, ‘Mercado Central’, where locals stock up
on meat and cheeses. The building, covered with ceramics, also
boosts magnificent stained glass windows and is well worth a
visit. There are also Cathedrals, Museums and Churches that
line the Souk-like Streets to be found in the Old Quarter. This
part of the city has retained all of it’s history from it’s
Moorish past, and with its mixture of modern bars, cafes and
restaurants, will entertain you for hours.
THE MODERN VALENCIA
Valencia boasts modern buildings, one
collection in particular that stands out from all it’s other
surroundings is the area known as Valencia’s City of Art and
Science. Within the Arts and Science Centre are buildings known
as the L'oceanographic, L'hemisferic and perhaps the most
outstanding of them all, the Valencia Opera House. Designed by
Santiago Calatrava in 1997 it could easily landscape in the
same way the Sydney Opera House has done. It has been described
by others as resembling anything from a ‘space craft’ to a
‘giant warrior’s helmet.’
PARKS
Situated along the old riverbed of the river
Turia lie some outstanding parks and gardens. The river has
since dried up and is now being put to good use, utilizing the
lushness of the soil. The Jardines De Turia span the city for
9KM, it’s bright greenery and flowers appearing in between the
hustle of the city. Parque Parterre and Jardines De Montforte
offer beautiful relaxing strolls and for the children and
adults alike, the Biopark, which can be found in the Parque De
Cabecera, offer an amazing insight into the natural habitat of
over 4000 animals from 250 species. This is the most modern and
avent-garde zoo in Europe and no visit to Valencia is complete
without seeing this amazing zoo .
OTHER PLACES OF
INTEREST
Valencia also boasts some fantastic beaches,
one on particular, Malvarrosa, is an urban beach well equipped
with volleyball nets, cycle paths and areas for those with
reduced mobility. This beach is well known for it’s fun
atmosphere with sports taking place such as windsurfing, jet
skiing and sailing. Also worth a visit is the nightlife within
the city. Clubs, bars and restaurants come alive at night,
particularly in the area of the town known as Barro De Carmen.
Here you can sample local food, exotic dishes, take in an easy
beer or party the night away until the early hours. Whatever
you want to do, you can do it in Valencia.
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