Val Padana

Infobox settlement

name = Valencia
native_name = València
native_name_lang =
nickname =
settlement_type =
total_type =
motto =
image_skyline = Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - NYE Dec 2007.jpg
image_caption = L'hemisfèric in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències complex
image_size = 300px
image_flag = Flag_of_the_Land_of_Valencia_(official).svg
flag_size = 150px
image_seal =
seal_size =
image_shield = Escudo_de_Valencia_2.svg
shield_size = 90px
image_blank_emblem =
blank_emblem_type =
blank_emblem_size =
image_map = Localització de Ciutat de València respecte del País Valencià.png
mapsize = 150px
map_caption = Location of Valencia in the Valencian Community
image_map1 =
mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
image_dot_map =
dot_mapsize =
dot_map_caption =
dot_x = |dot_y =
pushpin_map = Spain
pushpin_label_position =
pushpin_map_caption = Location of Valencia in Spain
pushpin_mapsize = 300
coordinates_display = inline,title
coordinates_region = ES
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name =
subdivision_type1 = Autonomous Community
subdivision_name1 =
subdivision_type2 = Province
subdivision_name2 = Valencia
subdivision_type3 = Comarca
subdivision_name3 = Valencia
parts_type = Districts
parts_style = para
p1= Ciutat Vella
p2= Eixample
p3= Extramurs
p4= Campanar
p5= Saïdia
p6= Pla del Real
p7= Olivereta
p8= Patraix
p9= Jesús
p10= Quatre Carreres
p11= Poblados Marítimos
p12= Caminos al Grao
p13= Algirós
p14= Benimaclet
p15= Poblados del Norte
p16= Poblados del Oeste
p17= Poblados del Sur
government_footnotes =
government_type = Mayor-council government
governing_body = Ajuntament de València
leader_party = PP
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Rita Barberá Nolla
established_title = Founded
established_date = 137 BC
area_magnitude =
unit_p =
area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 = 134.65
area_land_km2 =
area_water_km2 =
area_total_sq_mi =
area_land_sq_mi =
area_water_sq_mi =
area_water_percent =
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 15
elevation_ft =
population_as_of = 2009
population_footnotes = INE
population_note =
population_total = 814208
population_urban = 1,175,000 to 1,564,145
population_metro = 1,705,742 to 2,300,000
population_est =
pop_est_as_of =
population_density_km2 = auto
population_density_sq_mi =
population_demonym = valencià (m), valenciana (f)
valenciano (m), valenciana (f)
timezone1 = CET (GMT +1)
utc_offset1 =
timezone1_DST = CEST (GMT +2)
utc_offset1_DST =
latd= 39.470239|latm= |lats= |latNS=
longd= -0.376805|longm= |longs= |longEW=
postal_code_type = Postcode
postal_code = 46000-46080
area_code =
twin1 =
website = http://www.valencia.es
blank_name_sec1 =
blank_info_sec1 = ES-V
footnotes =
Valencia''' (Spanish ) is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain, with a population of 814,208 in 2009. in the Valencia metropolitan area. It is integrated into an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar. Its main festival, the Falles, is known worldwide, while the traditional dish, paella, originated around Valencia. The city contains a dense monumental heritage, including the Llotja de la Seda (World Heritage Site since 1996), but its landmark is undoubtedly the City of Arts and Sciences, an avant-garde and futuristic museum complex.

Name

The original Latin name of the city was '''' (/wa'lentia/), meaning "strength", "valour", the city being named for the Roman practice of recognizing the valour of former Roman soldiers after a war. The Roman historian Titus Livius (Livy) explains that the founding of Valentia in the 2nd century BC was due to the settling of the Roman soldiers who fought against Iberian local rebel, Viriatus. During the rule of the Muslim Empires in Spain, it was known as (''Balansiya'') in Arabic. By regular sound changes, this has become ''Valencia'' in Spanish and ''València'' in Standard Valencian.

History

The city of Valencia, is in the province known in ancient days as ''Edetania''. The Roman historian Florus says that Junius Brutus, transferred there (140 BC) the soldiers who had fought under him. Later it was a Roman military colony. In punishment for its adherence to Sertorius it was destroyed by Pompey, but was later rebuilt, and Pomponius Mela says that it was one of the principal cities of Tarraconensis province. The city was founded by the Romans in 137 BC on the site of a former Iberian town, by the river Turia. The city has been occupied by the Visigoths, the Moors and the Catalan and Aragonese. The Moors Berbers & Arabs) occupied the territory peacefully in 714 A.D. When Islamic culture settled in, Valencia – then Balansiya – prospered, thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver-work. The architectural legacy from this period is abundant in Valencia and can still be appreciated today in the remains of the old walls, the Baños del Almirante bath house, Portal de Valldigna street and even the Cathedral and the tower, El Micalet, which was the minaret of the old mosque. After the death of Almanzor and the unrest that followed, 'the Cid' conquered Valencia for the short period from 15 June 1094 – July 1099. He turned nine mosques into churches and installed the French monk Jérôme as bishop (this victory was immortalised in the Lay of the Cid). On the death of the Cid (July 1099), his wife, Doña Ximena, retained power for two years, after which Valencia was besieged by the Almoravids. The city was returned to the Almoravids in 1102. Although the 'Emperor of Spain' Alfonso drove them from the city, he was not strong enough to hold it. The Christians set fire to it, abandoned it, and the Almoravid Masdali took possession of it on 5 May 1109. The event was commemorated in a poem by Ibn Khafaja in which he thanked Yusuf ibn Tashfin for the liberation of the city. The Almoravid and the Almohad dynasty would rule Valencia for more than a century. In 1238, King James I of Aragon the Conqueror, with an army composed of French, English, Germans and Italians, laid siege to Valencia and on 28 September in that same year forced a surrender. 50,000 Moors were forced to leave. Poets like Ibn al-Abbar and Ibn Amira mourned their exile from their beloved Valencia. On 9 October, King James, followed by his retinue and army, took possession. The principal mosque was purified, Mass was celebrated, and the "Te Deum" sung. James incorporated city and territory into the newly formed Kingdom of Valencia, one of the kingdoms forming the Crown of Aragon, and populated the new Kingdom with Catalan people on the coast and Aragonese people on the interior. Catholic sources state that Saint Vincent Ferrer preached so successfully (sometime between 1390 and 1411), converting thousands of Jews, that he was permitted to employ the synagogue for his newly-founded hospital of San Salvador. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia was one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. The writer Joanot Martorell, author of ''Tirant lo Blanch'', and the poet Ausiàs March are famous Valencians of that era. The first printing press in the Iberian Peninsula was located in Valencia. The first printed Bible in a Romance language, Valencian Bible, was printed in Valencia circa 1478, attributed to Bonifaci Ferrer. Valencian bankers lent funds to Queen Isabella for Columbus' trip in 1492. In 1519–1522 the ''Guilds revolts'' took place. In 1609, the ''Moriscos'' were expelled from the city. During the War of the Spanish Succession, Valencia sided with Charles of Austria. On 24 January 1706, Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, 1st Earl of Monmouth, led a handful of English cavalrymen into the city after riding south from Barcelona, capturing the nearby fortress at Sagunt, and bluffing the Spanish Bourbon army into withdrawal. The English held the city for 16 months and defeated several attempts to expel them. English soldiers advanced as far as Requena on the road to Madrid. After the victory of the Bourbons at the Battle of Almansa (25 April 1707), the English army evacuated Valencia and the city subsequently lost its privileges, including important civil rights called ''furs'' by the way the Bourbons decided to burn important cities like Xativa, where actually is still the picture of the Spanish Bourbon turned back as protest. During the Peninsular War Valencia was besieged by the French under Marshal Suchet from Christmas Day 1811, until it fell on January 8 the next year. The last victim of the Spanish Inquisition, a local schoolteacher called Cayetano Ripoll, was executed in Valencia in July 1826 accused of being a deist and freemason. During the Spanish Civil War, the capital of the Republic was moved to Valencia. The city suffered from the blockade and siege by Franco's forces. The postwar period was hard for Valencians. During the Franco years, speaking or teaching Valencian was prohibited; in a significant reversal it is now compulsory for every child studying in Valencia.

Modern history

In 1957 the city suffered a severe flood by the Turia River, with park which bisects the city. Valencia was granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982. On 9 July 2006, during Mass at Valencia's Cathedral, Our Lady of the Forsaken Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI used, at the World Day of Families, the ''Santo Caliz'', a 1st-century Middle-Eastern artifact believed by many to be the Holy Grail. It was supposedly brought to that church by Emperor Valerian in the 3rd century, after having been brought by St. Peter to Rome from Jerusalem. The ''Santo Caliz'' ("Holy Chalice") is a simple, small stone cup. Its base was added in medieval times and consists of fine gold, alabaster and gem stones. Valencia was selected in 2003 to host the historic America's Cup yacht race, the first European city ever to do so. The America's Cup matches took place in summer 2007. On 3 July 2007, ''Alinghi'' defeated ''Team New Zealand'' and successfully defended the America's Cup. 22 days later, on 25 July 2007, the leaders of the Alinghi syndicate, holder of the America's Cup, officially announced that Valencia would be the host city for the 33rd America's Cup, held in June 2009.

Architecture

The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of Gothic style but contains elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th century ''Serrano'' and ''Quart'' towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city. UNESCO has recognised the silk exchange market (''La Lonja de la Seda''), erected in early Valencian gothic style, as a World Heritage Site. The modernist Central Market (''Mercado Central'') is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station ''Estación Del Norte'' is built in modernisme (the Spanish version of Art Nouveau) style. World-renowned (and city-born) architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (''Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències''), which contains an opera house/performing arts centre, a science museum, an IMAX cinema/planetarium, an oceanographic park and other structures such as a long covered walkway and restaurants. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace (''Palau De La Música'') is another good example of modern architecture in Valencia. The cathedral was called Iglesia Mayor in the early days of the Reconquista, then Seo (from Latin ''sedes'', i.e. (archiepiscopal) see), and in virtue of the papal concession of 16 October 1866, it was called the Basilica metropolitana. It is situated in the centre of the ancient Roman city where some believe the temple of Diana stood. In Gothic times, it seems to have been dedicated to the most Holy Saviour; the Cid dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin; King Jaime the Conqueror did likewise, leaving in the main chapel the image of the Blessed Virgin which he carried with him and which is believed to be the one which is now preserved in the sacristy. The Moorish mosque, which had been converted into a Christian church by the conqueror, appeared unworthy of the title of the cathedral of Valencia, and in 1262 Bishop Andrés de Albalat laid the cornerstone of the new Gothic building, with three naves; these reach only to the choir of the present building. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the tower, called "Miguelete" because it was blessed on St. Michael's day in 1418, which is about high and finished at the top with a belfry. In the fifteenth century the dome was added and the naves extended back of the choir, uniting the building to the tower and forming a main entrance. Archbishop Luis Alfonso de los Cameros began the building of the main chapel in 1674; the walls were decorated with marbles and bronzes in the over-ornate style of that decadent period. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the German Conrad Rudolphus built the façade of the main entrance. The other two doors lead into the transept; one, that of the Apostles in pure pointed Gothic, dates from the fourteenth century, the other is that of the Paláu. The additions made to the back of the cathedral detract from its height. The eighteenth century-restoration rounded the pointed arches, covered the Gothic columns with Corinthian pillars, and redecorated the walls. The dome has no lantern, its plain ceiling being pierced by two large side windows. There are four chapels on either side, besides that at the end and those that open into the choir, the transept, and the presbyterium. It contains many paintings by eminent artists. A magnificent silver reredos, which was behind the altar, was carried away in the war of 1808, and converted into coin to meet the expenses of the campaign. Behind the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful little Renaissance chapel built by Calixtus III. Beside the cathedral is the chapel dedicated to the "Virgen de los desamparados". In 1409, a hospital was founded and placed under the patronage of Santa María de los Inocentes; to this was attached a confraternity devoted to recovering the bodies of the unfriended dead in the city and within a radius of three miles (5�km) around it. At the end of the fifteenth century this confraternity separated from the hospital, and continued its work under the name of "Cofradia para el ámparo de los desamparados". King Philip IV of Spain and the Duke of Arcos suggested the building of the new chapel, and in 1647 the Viceroy, Conde de Oropesa, who had been preserved from the bubonic plague, insisted on carrying out their project. The Blessed Virgin was proclaimed patroness of the city under the title of "Virgen de los desamparados" 'Virgin of the abandonees', and Archbishop Pedro de Urbina, on 31 June 1652, laid the corner-stone of the new chapel of this name. The archiepiscopal palace, a grain market in the time of the Moors, is simple in design, with an inside cloister and a handsome chapel. In 1357 the arch which connects it with the cathedral was built. In the council chamber are preserved the portraits of all the prelates of Valencia. (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia, Spain Among the parish churches those deserving special mention are: Saints John (Baptist and Evangelist), rebuilt in 1368, whose dome, decorated by Palonino, contains some of the best frescoes of Spain; El Templo 'the Temple', the ancient church of the Knights Templar, which passed into the hands of the Order of Montesa and which was rebuilt in the reigns of Ferdinand VI and Charles III; the former convent of the Dominicans, at present the headquarters of the "capital general", the cloister of which has a beautiful Gothic wing and the chapter room, large columns imitating palm trees; the Colegio del Corpus Christi, which is devoted to the exclusive worship of the Blessed Sacrament, and in which perpetual adoration is carried on; the Jesuit college, which was destroyed (1868) by the revolutionary Committee, but rebuilt on the same site; the Colegio de San Juan (also of the Society), the former college of the nobles, now a provincial institute for secondary instruction.

Squares and gardens

The largest square is the ''Plaça de l'Ajuntament'', which contains the town hall (ajuntament), a cinema which shows classic movies (like the John Adolphsen), and many restaurants and bars. This is where the noisy fireworks of the mascletà can be heard every afternoon during the Las Fallas. The ''Plaça de la Verge'' contains the Basilica of the Virgin and the Turia fountain, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Around the corner is the Plaça de la Reina, with the Cathedral, orange trees, and many bars and restaurants. The Turia River was diverted in the 1960s, after severe flooding, and the old river bed is now the Turia gardens, which contain a children’s playground, a fountain, and sports fields. The Palau de la Música is adjacent to the Turia gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences lies at one end. Other gardens in Valencia include the Real, Monforte, and Botanical gardens.

Famous people born in Valencia and Valencia province

in 2008.
Pope Alexander VI, Pope from 1492 to 1503.
Ausiàs March, poet.
Joan Roís de Corella, poet and writer.
Pope Callixtus III, Pope from 1455 to 1458.
Luis de Santángel, finance minister.
Alfonso III, King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona (as Alfons II).
King James II of Aragon.
King Peter III of Aragon (Peter the Great).
Josu De Solaun Soto, classical music pianist.
Guillén de Castro, famous Spanish writer of the Spanish Golden Age (1569–1631).
Joanot Martorell (1413–1468), knight and writer the author of the novel Tirant lo Blanch.
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Spanish realist novelist writing in Spanish, a screenwriter and occasional film director (1867–1928).
Joaquin Sorolla, painter, who excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes.
Joan Lluís Vives, a scholar and humanist.
José Benlliure y Gil, painter.
Antonio José Cavanilles, taxonomic botanist.
José Iturbi, conductor and pianist.
Luis García Berlanga, film director and screenwriter.
Saint Vincent Ferrer, Dominican missionary and logician.
Nino Bravo (birth name, Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis), popular singer (1944–1973)
Santiago Calatrava, internationally recognized and award-winning architect.
Joan Fuster, philologist, historian and writer.
Josep Maria Bayarri, linguist, poet and writer.
Joaquin Rodrigo, music composer.
Manuel Palau, music composer.
Raimon, composer and singer.
Francisco Tárrega, influential Spanish composer and guitarist.
Enric Valor i Vives, grammarian and writer.
Manuel Sanchis i Guarner, philologist, historian and writer.
María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, Spanish Socialist Workers' Party politician and the first female First Deputy Prime Minister of Spain.
Salvador Larroca, comic book artist.
Raul Albiol, footballer
Vicente Gandia, painter, artist (1935–2009)

Economy

Valencia has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last decade, much of it spurred by tourism and the construction industry. Air Nostrum, a regional airline, is headquartered in Valencia.

Port

Valencia’s port is the biggest on the Mediterranean Western coast, The main exports are food and drink (the Valencian region is famous for its oranges), furniture, ceramic tiles, fans, textiles and iron products. Valencia’s manufacturing sector focuses on metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and brewing. Unemployment is lower than the Spanish average. Small and medium sized industries are an important part of the local economy. Following the announcement that the 32nd America's Cup would be held in Valencia in 2007, the port underwent radical changes in which the port was divided into two parts, one part remaining unchanged while the other section would be used exclusively for the America's Cup festivities. The two sections are now divided by a wall that goes deep into the water in an attempt to maintain clean water for the America's Cup side.

Tourism

Formerly an industrial city, Valencia saw rapid development that started in the mid-1990s, expanding its cultural and touristic possibilities, which turned it into a vibrant city, restoring old landmarks like the old Towers of the medieval city (''Serrano'' Towers and ''Quart'' Towers), monasteries like the San Miguel de los Reyes monastery, which now holds a specialized library, the whole ''Malvarrosa'' beach, with the construction of a long ''paseo'' or complete quarters, like the old Carmen Quarter, which has seen extensive renovation. Another appealing feature of the city is its numerous convention centres, like the Valencia Fair (''Feria de Valencia''), the Conference Palace (''Palau de Congressos'') and several 5 star hotels. The first America's Cup competitions took place in June and July 2005 and were key attractions during the summer of 2005. According to official data from the organizing committee, as many as 150,000 visitors flocked to Valencia's port each day during the two-week events.

Demographics

One notable demographic change in Valencia in the last decade has been the growth in the foreign born population which has risen from 1.5% in the year 2000 Between 2007 and 2008 there was a 14% increase in the foreign born population with the largest numeric increases by country being from Bolivia, Romania and Italy.

Climate

Valencia experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification ''Csa''), with Semi-arid climate (BSh) influences. Its average annual temperature is . Sunshine hours are up to 2,660 per year, from 150 (average 4.8 hours of sunshine / day) in December to 314 (average 10 hours of sunshine / day) in July. Average relative humidity is 60% in April to 68% in August.

cite web

|url=http://www.aemet.es/es/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos?l=8416&k=val |title=Valores Climatológicos Normales. Valencia |accessdate=
Average number of days above is 11 (1 in June, 4 in July, 4 in August and 2 in September). Generally, summer temperatures similar to those experienced in northern Europe last about 8 months (from April to November). Two months (December and March) are transitional, with temperatures above sometimes occurring.

Weather box

location = Valencia
metric first = yes
single line = yes
Jan high C = 16.1
Feb high C = 17.2
Mar high C = 18.7
Apr high C = 20.2
May high C = 22.8
Jun high C = 26.2
Jul high C = 29.1
Aug high C = 29.6
Sep high C = 27.6
Oct high C = 23.6
Nov high C = 19.5
Dec high C = 16.8
year high C = 22.3
Jan mean C = 11.5
Feb mean C = 12.6
Mar mean C = 13.9
Apr mean C = 15.5
May mean C = 18.4
Jun mean C = 22.1
Jul mean C = 24.9
Aug mean C = 25.5
Sep mean C = 23.1
Oct mean C = 19.1
Nov mean C = 14.9
Dec mean C = 12.4
year mean C = 17.8
Jan low C = 7.0
Feb low C = 7.9
Mar low C = 9.0
Apr low C = 10.8
May low C = 14.1
Jun low C = 17.9
Jul low C = 20.8
Aug low C = 21.4
Sep low C = 18.6
Oct low C = 14.5
Nov low C = 10.4
Dec low C = 8.1
year low C = 13.4
Jan precipitation mm = 36
Feb precipitation mm = 32
Mar precipitation mm = 35
Apr precipitation mm = 37
May precipitation mm = 34
Jun precipitation mm = 23
Jul precipitation mm = 9
Aug precipitation mm = 19
Sep precipitation mm = 51
Oct precipitation mm = 74
Nov precipitation mm = 51
Dec precipitation mm = 52
year precipitation mm = 454
Jan precipitation days = 4
Feb precipitation days = 3
Mar precipitation days = 4
Apr precipitation days = 5
May precipitation days = 5
Jun precipitation days = 3
Jul precipitation days = 1
Aug precipitation days = 2
Sep precipitation days = 4
Oct precipitation days = 5
Nov precipitation days = 4
Dec precipitation days = 5
unit precipitation days = 1�mm
year precipitation days = 44
Jan sun = 169
Feb sun = 169
Mar sun = 212
Apr sun = 229
May sun = 256
Jun sun = 271
Jul sun = 314
Aug sun = 285
Sep sun = 237
Oct sun = 201
Nov sun = 167
Dec sun = 150
year sun = 2660
source 1 = World Meteorological Organization (UN),

cite web

|url=http://www.worldweather.org/083/c01238.htm |title=Weather Information for Valencia |accessdate=
Agencia Estatal de Meteorología
date=August 2010

Culture

Valencia is known for Las Fallas, which is a famous local festival held in March, for ''paella valenciana'', traditional Valencian ceramics, intricate traditional dress, and the striking new architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences designed by its own son, architect Santiago Calatrava. La Tomatina, an annual tomato fight, draws crowds to the nearby town of Buñol in August. There are also a number of well preserved Catholic fiestas throughout the year. Holy week celebrations in Valencia are considered the most colourful in Spain. Valencia has a metro system, the Valencia Metro. Valencia is the current location of the Formula One European Grand Prix, first hosting the event on August 24, 2008. The city will host the event until at least 2014. The University of Valencia (official name Universitat de València) is one of the oldest surviving universities, the oldest university in the Kingdom of Valencia, and is regarded as one of the Spanish leading academic institutions.

Languages

The two official languages spoken in the city are Valencian and Castilian. Due to political and demographic pressure in the past, the predominant language is Spanish, but Valencian is predominant in most of the surrounding metropolitan area and province of Valencia. In fact the government weakly emphasizes the usage of the local language. It does this, for example, by posting all signs and announcements of the Metro in Valencian and Spanish translations in smaller type underneath (sometimes in italics as well). Valencian is also used when naming streets. New street signs, when erected, are always given the Valencian name for street (Carrer). However the older street names bearing the Spanish names (Calle) are only replaced when necessary. This results in a situation where in longer streets both languages can often be seen on street signs.

Nightlife

Valencia is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Today, the more alternative/bohemian bars and nightclubs are concentrated in the Carmen, while the student nightlife is found around Blasco Ibáñez and Benimaclet, the more mainstream weekend nightlife has its clusters in the areas of Cánovas and Joan Llorens. In the summer, there is also nightlife on the beach and at the Port. Agua de Valencia is the city's unofficial cocktail.

Food

Valencia is famous for its wonderful gastronomic culture. Paella – a simmered rice dish that includes seafood or meat (chicken and rabbit). Fartons, buñuelos, Spanish omelette, rosquilletas and squid (calamares) are some examples of typical Valencian foods.

Museums

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències ''City of Arts and Sciences''
: The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. It is situated in the former Túria river-bed and comprises the following monuments:
:* Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
:*: A flamboyant opera and music palace with four halls and a total area of 37,000 m².
:*:
:* L'Oceanogràfic
:*: Biggest aquarium in Europe, with a variety of ocean beings from different environments: from the Mediterranean, fishes from the ocean and reef inhabitants, sharks, mackerel swarms, dolphinarium, inhabitants of the polar regions (belugas, walruses, penguins), coast inhabitants (sea lions), etc. L'Oceanogràfic exhibits also smaller animals as coral, jellyfish, sea anemones, etc.
:* El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe
:*: An interactive museum of science but resembling the skeleton of a whale. It occupies around on three flats.
Museu de Prehistòria de València ''Prehistory Museum of Valencia''
Museu Valencià d'Etnologia ''Valencian Museum of Ethnology''
House Museum Blasco Ibáñez
IVAM – Institut Valencià d'Art Modern – Centre Julio González ''Julio González Centre – Valencian Institute of Modern Art''
Museu de Belles Arts "San Pío V" ''Museum of Fine Arts''
Museu Faller ''Falles Museum''
Museu d'Història de València ''Museum of History of Valencia''
Museu Taurí de València – ''Bullfighting Museum''
MuVIM – Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i la Modernitat ''Valencian Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity''
Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias / Museu Nacional de Ceràmica i Arts Sumptuàries González Martí - '' National Museum of Pottery and Sumptuary Arts González Martí''

Sport

Football

Valencia is also famous for its football club Valencia C.F., which won the Spanish league in 2002 and 2004 (in which year it also won the UEFA Cup), and was also a UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2000 and 2001, it is one of the most famous football clubs in Spain and Internationally. Its city rival Levante UD also play in the highest division after gaining promotion last year.

Motor Sports

Once a year the European Formula One Grand Prix takes place in Valencia Street Circuit. Furthermore, the motorcycle Grand Prix running, the show jumping tournament of the worldwide champions’ tour, an ATP 500 tennis tournament, or the DTM can be visited in Valencia.

Transportation

Public transport is provided by the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) which operates the Valencia Metro and other rail and bus services. The Valencia Airport is situated west of downtown Valencia.

Districts of Valencia

CIUTAT VELLA: La Seu, La Xerea, El Carmen, El Pilar, El Mercado, San Francisco.
EXTENSIÓ: Russafa, El Pla del Remei, Gran Via.
EXTRAMURS: El Botànic, La Roqueta, La Pechina, Arrancapins.
CAMPANAR: Campanar, Les Tendetes, El Calvari, Sant Pau.
LA SAÏDIA: Marxalenes, Morvedre, Trinitat, Tormos, Sant Antoni.
PLA DEL REAL: Exposició, Mestalla, Jaume Roig, Ciutat Universitària
OLIVERETA: Nou Moles, Soternes, Tres Forques, La Fontsanta, La Luz.
PATRAIX: Patraix, Sant Isidre, Vara de Quart, Safranar, Favara.
JESUS: La Raiosa, L'Hort de Senabre, The Covered Cross, Saint Marcelino, Real Way.
QUATRE CARRERES: Montolivet, En Corts, Malilla, La Font de Sant Lluís, Na Rovella, La Punta, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
POBLATS MARÍTIMS: El Grau, El Cabanyal, El Canyameral, La Malva-Rosa, Beteró, Nazaret.
CAMINS DEL GRAU: Aiora, Albors, Creu del Grau, Camí Fondo, Penya-Roja.
ALGIRÒS: Illa Perduda, Ciutat Jardí, Amistat, Vega Baixa, la Carrasca.
BENIMACLET: Benimaclet, Camí de Vera.
RASCANYA: Orriols, Torrefiel, Sant Llorenç.
BENICALAP: Benicalap, Ciutat Fallera.
POBLES DEL NORD: Benifaraig, Poble Nou, Carpesa, Cases de Bàrcena, Mauella, Massarrojos, Borbotó.
POBLES DE L'OEST: Benimàmet, Beniferri.
POBLES DEL SUD: Forn d'Alcedo, Castellar-l'Oliveral, Pinedo, el Saler, el Palmar, el Perellonet, la Torre,

Gallery

International relations

Twin towns - Sister cities

Valencia is twinned with: _

See also

Valencia City Council elections
Archdiocese of Valencia
Benimaclet
El Cid
Ibn al-Abbar
Spanish wine
Valencia Metro (Spain)
Valencia Street Circuit
Llotja de la Seda

References

Notes

External links

Official website of the city of Valencia
Official tourism website of the city of Valencia and in Valencian + easy-access static pages in all eight languages
on Wikitravel
Levante-emv.com Local Newspaper
Valenciatrader.com Local Online Magazine with large archive

Val Padana