The third largest city of Spain, Valencia, has the name of the valiant, as in old Latin it meant “strength” or “power”. This old and modern city at the same time deserves this sonorous name. First a Roman colony, it was the most important city of the province Hispania Tarraconensis. However, its history goes before the Romans in the hidden times of antiquity.
Later, the city saw many other invasions such as those of the Visigoths, the Aragonese and the Moors. They all left their cultural imprint on the city’s present-day image. Don’t be surprised to hear the inhabitants speaking in a different language than Spanish, it is their old Valencian, the first Romance language in which the Bible was printed in Europe.
However, due to past political pressure, the official language remained Spanish, and the Valencian remained vivid in the countryside. However, the name of the streets, tube stations and announcements are in Valencian with a Spanish translation underneath. It’s an admirable way of clinging to local specificity and to Valencian tradition.
The city’s cultural wealth, the excellent accommodation network, the complexity of its natural reserves make Valencia one great touristic spot. Not to mention the warm clean beaches, the traditional food and the varied local holidays, called fiestas. In summer time, the city is swarming with tourists.
Let’s see what someone eager to enjoy new experiences would find in the old city of Valencia. First there is the Cathedral Diocesan Museum housing paintings by Francisco de Goya, as well as other valuable 15th and 16th century canvasses. Here you can admire some of the most beautifully crafted chalices from the 14th century, among which one supposedly Holy Grail chalice.
Another great sight for art lovers can be found at the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. Here you will be moving in the area of contemporaneity. The Institute provides an in-depth view of art in the 20th century; there are permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, beneath the Institute, one could visit the remains of the medieval fort.
Let’s move on to one great sight, that equally charms adults and children: the Botanical Gardens, dating back to the very beginning of the 19th century. History is obvious even here, in the 19th century style of some of the greenhouses. Now the Gardens are the home of more than 3,000 plant species from various parts of the world, and from different climates.
If you just want to rest, sunbathe and bask in warm water, then Valencia beaches will totally satisfy your requirements. For instance Levante also called Malvarrosa Beach is situated to the north of the harbour offers excellent conditions. If you’re a water sports fan, there’s plenty of equipment available to hire.
If you’re going to spend some time in Valencia, more than just a few passing days, take the time and visit some of Valencia’s surrounding localities. I should mention first that Valencia is one important spot on the Wine Route. There are sunny vineyards and nice little towns, some of them full of history. Take Cheste, for instance, a town founded by the Arabs, providing some of the best wine in the area. It’s absolutely worth visiting!
As for Valencia’s nightlife, you won’t be disappointed, there are plenty of pubs and night clubs to choose from. You may even enjoy live music. However, if you just want a quiet dinner, make sure you taste traditional food. Valencian gastronomy carries the Arabian influence, and there is only one word to fully describe it: rich!