Valencia, Land of Orange Groves

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

Situated near the Mediterranean Sea, it owns two metropolitan beaches still inside the township plus several beaches only a bus ride away like Cullera, Gandía and Oliva.

Valencia also has a good, modern shopping centre, a pulsating nightlife and plenty to interest the kids...

Gulliver Park Playground, Botanical Gardens, Zoo and l´Oceanogràfic that lovely aquarium and the largest in Europe.

The main fiesta of the city is that of the Fallas that lasts from 15th-19th March. Easter Week is also very much celebrated, with a few splendid processions.

And, naturally, Valencia offers tons of history and culture!

In the heart of old Valencia is the Plaza de la Virgen, when the location of the Roman Forum. Around this gorgeous square is the Cathedral dating from 1262, and its octagonal bell tower named Micalet or Miguelete that is landmark to Valencia.

From the Cathedral´s Museum are works by many Amazing artists like Goya, Jacomart, Cellini and Paggibonsi.

Near 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 Almudín, the Iglesia de San Esteban, Palacio de Almirantes p Aragón, Church San Juan del Hospital and the Convento de Santo Domingo.

The River Turia was really diverted around town after a catastrophical flooding in 1957 and the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno is to-day situated in the old river bed.

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

In the Plaza del Mercado there are La Lonja, among the most effective civil Gothic buildings in Europe.

During 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 lifetime, while El Ensanche is more representative of to-day´s Valencia.

Valencia is also called the land of flowers, and its parks and gardens reflect this with the Jardines de la Alameda, the Jardines de Montforte, the"Actual" Gardens, the Zoological Garden and the Botanical Gardens.

This Mediterranean city and land of orange groves you'll certainly enjoy.