High points of Valencia Tourism
The first thing that catches your attention when you are visiting Valencia is definitely the majestic architecture some dating back to the Roman times, while some displaying the avant-garde architectural styles of the new millennium. Valencia tourist attractions like La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia, the old Silk Exchange and Valencia Cathedral gives you a view of the old world Valencia architecture . While on the other hand, City of the Arts and Sciences, Valencia and Alameda Bridge, Valencia are apt examples of the modern design and technology in Valencia. These are the chief features of tourism in Valencia, Spain.
Another chief attraction of Valencia Tourism is the festivals and events in Valencia which is sure to enchant you with its vibrancy, color and fun. The La Fallas Fiesta, Valencia among these is the most significant festival in Valencia which takes place in the month of March in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the carpenters. The La Tomatina, Valencia is another crucial festival which is actually a tomato fight that takes place in the streets of Bunol, on the last Wednesday of August. There are several others like these which are true faces of Valencia culture.
Some of the popular destinations in Valencia, a visit to which is a must to explore Valencia at its best are Old City, Valencia, El Casco Antiguo de Valencia, El Palmar, Valencia among others. These constitute some of the major tourist attractions in Valencia.
Valencia Tourism Quick Notes
When visiting Valencia, there is some information which you should keep handy to make your visit a pleasant one, like getting to Valencia and the perfect time to visit Valencia.
Valencia is well connected to major European cities by various Valencia flights, operated by airlines like Air Berlin, Air Europe, Easyjet, Ryanair and Myar from the Valencia International Airport at Manises. Though there are no direct trains to Valencia from other European countries, you can travel up to any other Spanish city by air, and board a train to Valencia from there. By road, you can reach Valencia by availing one of the bus services or hire car from any other city in Spain to reach Valencia.
Although Valencia climate is pleasant all year long, July and August can be avoided when mercury soars to 26 degree Celsius. But be sure that you don't miss out on the popular festivals which happen during this time of the year. June is said to be the peak season for Valencia tourism with nature is in full bloom during this time and the temperatures are bearable.
History of Valencia
Valencia has its origins back to 138 B.C, when the Romans had first set foot in this land. This city was founded on the site of a former lberian town by the river Turia, which they called "Valentia". Remnants of this significant era can still be found in Sagunto, a historical town containing few ruins including a Roman theatre. History of Valencia hence is soaked in rich culture of Valencia and traditions of the Romans as well as the rapid modernizations that characterizes the whole of Europe.
Under the Romans Valencia was a Roman military colony; later became one of the principal cities of Hispania Tarraconensis province, under the rule of Pompey. Post the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, Moors and the Aragonese tribes occupied the city and hence leaving a clear mark of their existence here. The archeologists have discovered few remains of a funerary Visigothic chapel reflecting the presence of the Visigoths in Valencia. This period was marred with countless battles and economic strife. Taking advantage of the situation the Moors occupied the territory in 709 AD. Valencia history is an eventful journey of richness, poverty, conquests and of course chivalry.
The Moors came in with rich Islamic culture under which Valencia prospered. It saw booming trade in silk, paper, leather, ceramics, silver-work and glass. Valencia, even today continues to speak loud about this era through the various architectural legacies like mosques. However with the death of Almanzor, the state was divided into various kingdoms, which were soon be conquered by legendary Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, el "Cid Campeador" during the Christian re-conquest of Spain.
Following years in the history of Valencia saw her succession several times through conquests by several rulers like Almoravids in 1102, Jaime the conqueror in 1238 and King James 1 of Aragon in 1338 again. The 15th and 16th centuries saw Valencia becoming one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. There was a trend of development in this era with the first printing press in the Iberian Peninsula in Valencia.
The next upheaval in the history of Valencia came with the War of Spanish succession which forced Spanish Bourbon army into withdrawal to a handful of English cavalrymen. The bourbons however took over charge at the Battle of Almansa. Perhaps one of the final blows came with the Spanish Civil War when the capital of the Republic was moved to Valencia, and the city suffered from the blockade and siege by Franco's forces.
Valencia was finally granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982. Since then the city has never looked back. It has been hosting various events such as the historic American Cup Yacth race in 2003 and has been a major destination for tourists to Europe.Popular Destinations in Valencia
Valencia is an ancient city in Spain. A trip through the city instantly transfers you back to the medieval and ancient era. Built by the Romans around 137 BC today the city is home to numerous popular destinations in Valencia.
Some of the major popular destinations in Valencia are
- Old City Valencia
One of the major tourist attractions of Valencia, the Old City preserves the proofs of the glorious history of the city. It houses the Plaza Ayuntamiento, Valencia, the Central Market (Mercado Central), Valencia, the La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia, the Valencia Cathedral, the Plaza de las Virgin, the Benicarlo Palace, the Valencia Region Parliament, and the old dwelling quarters of Borggia family. It is also home to numerous tapas restaurants in the city where you can enjoy authentic Spanish delicacies.
- El Casco Antiguo de Valencia
This place is renowned for its numerous historical structures. It houses the splendid Valencia Cathedral. There is also the historical San Esteban Church (Iglesia de San Esteban), Valencia making it one of the popular destinations in Valencia. One of the popular destinations in Valencia, Spain it also houses the Basilica of the Virgin of the Abandoned Ones or the Mare de Deu dels Desemparats, the El Almudin, Valencia, the Convento de Santo Domingo, Valencia and the Church of San Juan of the Hospital.
- El Palmar, Valencia
The natural beauty of Valencia reveals itself in the fullest in the El Palmer, Valencia. One of the major Valencia popular destinations, Spain it is one of the most frequented sites. This region is also famous for its festivals like the redolin or the annual lottery for fishing privileges, and the pilgrimage to Cristo de la Salut or Christ of Good Health.
- Plaza Ayuntamiento, Valencia
One of the most elegant and oldest the square houses some of the modern as well neoclassical architectural splendors of Valencia. In the middle of the square is the Ayuntamiento or the town hall of Valencia with the old City History Museum. The centre is decorated with a fountain and flower stalls. The Post Office here is another attraction.
The other popular destinations in Valencia are the Plaza de Manises, Valencia and the Plaza del Mercado (Placa del Mercat), Valencia.
Sightseeing in Valencia
The Spanish city of Valencia is like a paradise for all sight-seers. It is filled with immense passion, enthusiasm, thrill, energy and warmth which is interspersed with its fascinating background, vestiges of its celebrated past, its art and also its mesmerizing culture. Valencia has so much to offer that you just might not feel like leaving this beautiful city once you are here. Sightseeing in Valencia would give you deeper insight into this wonderful city, captivating you to the core.
The various architectural masterpieces of the city are a must visit spots of Sightseeing in Valencia. One such place is the La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia, even acknowledged by the UNESCO as a World Cultural heritage Site. Displaying a wonderful blend of the Renaissance elements and gothic architecture this Major Attraction in Valencia simply excels in its architectural design. Since La Lonja de la Seda was actually constructed to serve as a silk exchange it is also a symbol of prosperity of the country.
Another masterpiece, witness to the some of the glorious happenings in the Valencia's past is the Valencia Cathedral. This Roman Catholic Church, one of the most significant landmarks of the city is truly a splendid work of art and must feature in your list of Valencia Sightseeing. However your visit to this Historical Monument of Valencia would be incomplete without having a look at its most treasured item, a Chalice made of gold and agate, housed in Chapel of the Holy Grail, Valencia. This item is the pride of Valencia and is thought to be the Holy Grail itself.
Apart from the Cathedral there are a number of churches and other holy monuments which fringe the landscape of Valencia, beautifying the city even more. Along with their magnificent architecture, they are also known for speaking volumes about the very existence of the city.Museums in Valencia
Valencia is a city full of pleasant surprises. Though it is not as big as the other Spanish
Cities, it has more than what the other cities can offer. It has a wide range of activities and sightseeing, which is largely predominated by the immensely captivating Valencia culture. In fact it is the most charming part of Valencia and the best way to know about it is through Museums in Valencia. The Museums in Valencia together present a synopsis of the lifestyle and the very existence of the city as they cover every possible topic like art work, craft, architecture, sculpture, painting, history, literature, philosophy, religion, science, nature, medicine and many more.
Valencia has always been overflowing with creativity and talent right from the ancient times to the present. Hence to house the prosperous and flourishing collection of art work are numerous galleries and Museums in Valencia, spread all over the city. One such Art Museum of Valencia is the El Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia San Pio V, Valencia. It is the best platform for bringing together Art and people. People mostly visit the El Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V in order to see its exclusive collection of 15th century paintings belonging to the Golden Era of Valencia's history. Another exclusive Art and Craft museum of Valencia is the Instituto Valencia de Arte Moderno (IVAM), Valencia. This one showcases an extensive collection of 20th century Valencian Artwork and adds the much appreciated touch of modernity to the city's ever existing traditional charm.
A major aspect adding to the magic of Valencia are its colorful festivals with the Fallas festival being the most important one and complementing it are city's two unique theme based Museums, namely the Fallas Museum, Valencia and the Museo del Artista Fallero, Valencia. Both of them showcase a compilation of models or replicas fallas, posters, paintings and pictures from the Past Fallas festival.
Another must visit Valencian Museum is the L'Hemisferic, Valencia. The premise of the L'Hemisferic in Valencia is like a confluence of all contemporary forms of cultural and scientific activities under one roof, hence it is popularly known as the City of Art and Science. Housed in one of the most contemporary and unique buildings this Valencian Museum is like a one stop destination to enhance you knowledge about every aspect of living. One of its major attractions is its huge planetarium. Also located in the same premises is the fascinating Principe Felipe Science Museum, Valencia. Spread over a huge area it reveals the story of the naval and mercantile history of Valencia.
While in Valencia you should also not miss the Museo de la Ciudad, Valencia. one of the most famous of the Valencia museums in Spain this museum has a huge collection arranged in sequential order according to its date. The Museo de la Ciudad in Valencia is actually believed to have one of the most wide-ranging and valuable collections among all the other Spanish Museums. Another very popular tourist attraction of the city is the Museo Catedralicio Diocesano, Valencia housed within the Cathedral of Valencia. It has quite a varied and interesting collection, which is concentrated more on wooden sculptures, paintings, silver stuff and many other holy objects. One of the most treasured items of the Museo Catedralicio Diocesano is the Santo Caliz. It is actually a Chalice made of gold and agate and is thought to be the Holy Grail itself.Festivals and Events in Valencia
The festivals and events in Valencia are eclectic, enchanting, exclusive
and engrossing and present an opportunity for the tourists to Valencia to
familiarize themselves with all the fascinating facets of the Valencia
culture. The cultural calendar of Valencia is chock-a-block with almost
countless festivals and events in Valencia, each one a colorful canvas of
myriad motifs and heady hues.
About The Festivals and Events in Valencia
La Fallas Fiesta, Valencia is the most significant of all the festivals
and events in Valencia, Spain. It takes place in the middle of the month
of March (14th or 15th) and continues for a week amidst dazzling fireworks
displays, the burning of mammoth life-life wooden statues, floral
offerings to the female patron saint of Valencia, Madrededeu dels
Desamparats and of course, the ubiquitous rounds of merrymaking and
revelry. One of the most famous of the Spanish festivals, La Fallas
Fiesta, Valencia is actually held in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint
of the carpenters.
If you can come down to Valencia during this time you can also catch up on
some of the other festivals and events in Valencia. Some of the other
noted Valencia festivals held during this time are the Easter's Holy Week
celebrations that take place some time in the end of March or beginning of
April and the festival of Saint Vincent Ferrer.
Carnaval, Valencia and Las Carnestoltes, Valencia are the other noteworthy
festivals and events in Valencia that draw the crowds from all over the
world. These two festivals in Spain mark the famed Carnival season in
Spain that takes place in the month of February. These are fun-filled
affairs that comprise of almost endless rounds of partying, colorful
parades, singing and dancing routines, fancy costume shows and drinking
and eating orgies that continue till the wee hours of the morning.
A little bit earlier in the Valencia festivals calendar are the
celebrations to honor Saint Anthony Abbot on January 17th and that too
mark the day of Saint Vincent the Martyr on January 22nd.
However, the craziest and thus the most enjoyable of the festivals and
events in Valencia is definitely La Tomatina, Valencia. Enjoyment at La
Tomatina is of a messy kind, with the festival actually being a tomato
fight that takes in the streets of Bunol, on the last Wednesday of August.
On the last day of the festival, thousands of pounds of tomatoes get
hurled across the air, hitting whoever is in the way. The casualties: a
happy crowd drenched in tomato juice, their faces smeared in tomato pulp.
Some of the other famous festivals and events in Valencia are the the Holy
Cross Festival held in May, the Festival of Carmen that takes place in
June/July, the Battle of the Flowers in the month of July and the festival
of Saint Dionysus in October.
The festivals and events in Valencia paint a riot of colors across the
cultural canvas of Valencia.
How to Get In
Valencia is one of the popular tourist destinations in Spain and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Valencia is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.
The quickest and comfortable way to get to Valencia is by air and flights connect all the important cities of the Valencia and also important cities of the world. The Valencia International Airport at Manises connects to many major European cities.
The travelers can also get to Valencia by train from different parts of Spain. But on the other hand the there are no direct trains from European countries to Valencia. The other option to get to Valencia is by road. The traveler can rather hire a car or avail the bus services that operate to important cities in Spain.
Valencia is popular for its beaches, spectacular festivals, dizzying diversity and also is rich in its history.Hotels in Valencia
