Valencia Spain - Land of Orange Groves
Posted by Linda Plummer
Come to orange-blossom land and take a tour of the Mediterranean Spanish city of Valencia!
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 close to the Mediterranean Sea, it possesses two
urban beaches still within the township plus several beaches
just a bus ride away such as Cullera, GandÃa and Oliva. Valencia also has a good, modern shopping center, a
pulsating nightlife and plenty to interest the children ...
Gulliver Park Playground, Botanical Gardens, Zoo and
l´Oceanogrà fic that wonderful aquarium and the biggest
in Europe. The most important fiesta of this city is that of the Fallas
which lasts from 15th-19th March. Easter Week is also very
much celebrated, with some splendid processions. And, of course, Valencia offers plenty of culture and
history! At the heart of old Valencia is the Plaza de la Virgen,
once the location of the Roman Forum. Around this
beautiful square is the Cathedral dating from 1262, and
its octagonal bell tower called Micalet or Miguelete
which is landmark to Valencia. In the Cathedral´s Museum are works by several wonderful
artists such as Goya, Jacomart, Cellini and Paggibonsi. Next to 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 AlmudÃn, the Iglesia de
San Esteban, Palacio de Almirantes de Aragón, Church San
Juan del Hospital and the Convento de Santo Domingo. The River Turia was actually diverted around the city
after a catastrophical flood in 1957 and the Instituto
Valenciano de Arte Moderno is to-day located in the old
river bed. Well worth seeing also are its three old bridges named
Puente del Real, Puente de la Trinidad and Puente de
Serranos. At the Plaza del Mercado you will find La Lonja, one
of the best civil Gothic buildings in Europe. At 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 life, while El Ensanche is more
representative of to-day´s Valencia. Valencia is also known as the land of flowers, and its
parks and gardens reflect this with the Jardines de la
Alameda, the Jardines de Montforte, the "Real" Gardens,
the Zoological Garden and the Botanical Gardens. This Mediterranean city and land of orange groves you
will surely enjoy! Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com
Top Tour of Spain
providing information on Spain be it for travel, food, language
or living.
|
