V a l e n c i a
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous community of Valencia and the
third-most populated municipality in Spain, with 789,744 inhabitants. It
is also the capital of the province of the same name. The wider urban area
also comprising the neighbouring municipalities has a population of around
1.6 million, constituting one of the major urban areas on the European
side of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the banks of Turia, on the
east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, at the Gulf of Valencia, north of the
Albufera lagoon.
Valencia draws millions of visitors each year. Its prime beach location and gorgeous Mediterranean weather make the third-largest city in Spain a perfect vacation hotspot. Valencia is also popular for its peculiar museums, quirky festivals, beautiful sunny weather, and fantastic sandy beaches.
Top 3 must-see places in Valencia.
- The pearl of modern architecture in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). This futuristic complex consists of the Science Museum (Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe), the Oceanographic Park (Oceanogràfic), the Planetarium (Hemisfèric), the Umbracle Botanical Garden (Umbracle), the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and the Agora Multifunctional Center (Agora). Visiting this amazing place is like traveling into the future! By visiting it, you will not only be able to gain new knowledge, but also enjoy stunning views and combinations - dazzling white and azure blue.
- While in Valencia, be sure to visit the Queen's Square (Plaza de la Reina), which is one of the main historical attractions of the city. Here are the best tourist restaurants in Valencia and, most importantly, the famous Cathedral of St. Mary (Catedral de Santa María de Valencia), which houses the Holy Grail (Santo Cáliz) - the cup from which Jesus Christ drank wine during the Last Supper. And if, in addition to historical sights, you want to enjoy panoramic views of Valencia, then climb the bell tower of the cathedral - the Miguelete tower (El Miguelete), the highest point of the old city.
- The third must-see is the Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central de Valencia), which is the largest indoor food market in Europe. This is an excellent example of the combination of secular-Gothic European architecture with local color, expressed in huge stained-glass windows and panoramic windows decorated with orange ornaments. It is a pleasure to make everyday purchases among such indescribable beauty! Not surprisingly, this market has been listed as a National Heritage Site in Valencia. A huge assortment of the freshest products from all over Spain and the world pleases market visitors throughout the year.