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Welcome to Valencia, land of flowers, light and love as the famous song goes. It's a city legends are made of: the first
 Neoclassical Bullring |
Xàtiva, 28 Valencia 46004 Spain +34 96 351 9315 http://www.plazadetorosdevalen... |
The Valencian bullring, situated next to the Estacion del Norte train station, was built between 1850 and 1860, and its architect, Sebastian Monleon, gave it a neoclassical style, resembling somewhat the amphitheatre in Nimes from the exterior. This round bullring is carefully constructed, both somber and meticulous. It's perfectly suited to its function while at the same time there's a monumentalism to it, characteristic of 19th century architecture. The plaza has a polygonal base, with 48 sides total, based on an interior ring within the bullring itself and a 52 cm diameter. More than just a bullring --especially worth visiting for the famous 'matadors' who come for the Feria de Julio and Fallas festivals--, the plaza also serves as site for the occasional circus, concert venue, or even political rallies. Call or see website for schedule of bullfights and other events as well as the varying admission prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Bedford |
 Photo: jmaldona  |
 Photo: jmaldona |
 Photo: Derek Wong |
 Photo: David Domingo |
 Photo: Kirsta Mahonen |
 Photo: Horacio Lledias A. |
 Photo: Elisabeth Howson |
 Photo: Dave Nunez |
 Photo: Roger Cheng |
 Photo: Aileen Parsons |
 Photo: Leah Michele |
 Photo: mazlan.net |
 Photo: Rich |
 Photo: Oliver Loughrey-Goulden |
 Photo: Mary Rose Henderson |
 Photo: Bill Hendrix |
 Photo: Wendy McKenzie |
 Photo: Architecture Chick |
 Photo: grahmery |
 Photo: Helen |
 Photo: Kyle Borkowski |
 Photo: Patty926 |
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A Santiago Calatrava Construction |
Antiguo Cauce del Río Turia Valencia 46023 Spain |
One of the most interesting bridges recently built over the old Turia riverbed, is the one designed by Santiago Calatrava. This bridge, with a futuristic look, greatly contrasts with its neighbor, Puente del Mar bridge. Valencians have dubbed the Calatrava bridge the "Peineta" (the typical Spanish ornamental comb), after the uncanny resemblance. The bridge, along with being a new and important landmark within the city, affords a privileged spot from which to watch all the firework displays during the Fallas festival, among others. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben |
 Photo: matti savolainen |
 Photo: Allen Chung |
 Photo: bjorn_cph |
 Photo: alberto.quaglia |
 Photo: daf2 |
 Photo: laurenatclemson |
 Photo: Alexei |
 Photo: Rachid Molinary |
 Photo: Andrés Goñi |
 Photo: Rick Ligthelm |
 Photo: lumao |
 Photo: Magno Alessandro |
 Photo: buichinh2001 |
 Photo: Marco 'Daem' Testoni |
 Photo: Anfrank Ponce Aporta |
 Photo: coiki |
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Journey to the future |
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, s/n Valencia 46013 Spain +34 902 10 0031 http://www.cac.es |
The first of its kind in Spain, this totally white futuristic cityscape made up of enormous modern buildings is the work of famous local architect Santiago Calatrava. You'll find it in the Túria river bed. The complex spreads out over 350000m2 and consists of four different but related parts: the Arts Centre, Science Museum, planetarium and Ocean Park. The science museum and planetarium are open to the public while the other buildings are still under construction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: JCuerva |
 Photo: Sindy Nero |
 Photo: Carlos Mejía |
 Photo: Roberto Pastor Ortiz |
 Photo: Daniel Sancho |
 Photo: Andrea Dell'Amico |
 Photo: claudia nicolini |
 Photo: Mike Gibbs |
 Photo: Emilio Perez Araujo |
 Photo: Amanda Timms |
 Photo: Paul Latimer |
 Photo: Juanma Carrillo |
 Photo: Richard Hayter |
 Photo: comakut |
 Photo: miquelet |
 Photo: Marcos Castellano |
 Photo: Javier Martínez |
 Photo: Tamas Kooning Lansbe |
 Photo: Jean-Charles Eloi |
 Photo: Ariel Diacovetzky |
 Photo: Alex D'Agosta |
 Photo: Héctor Escudero |
 Photo: JOSE MANUEL MORCILLO |
 Photo: ilchicco |
 Photo: Anben |
 Photo: Elmar van Reijswoud |
 Photo: Mirjana Papez |
 Photo: James Hickford |
 Photo: BenChild.com |
 Photo: Pierre Blariau |
 Photo: Andreea Cojocaru |
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Have a paella by the beach |
Paseo Marítimo, s/n Valencia 46011 Spain |
This is the place to come for an authentic paella and you can eat it on one of the outdoor terraces at the same time as enjoying the sun and the sea breeze. The long boardwalk has loads of restaurants to choose from and its a popular gathering point for locals all year round. As soon as the sun appears half the population makes their way down here. You can have a swim in the sea before or after lunch as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Diana Castillo |
 Photo: gnz_76 |
 Photo: Alberto Corujo |
 Photo: Andrew Hodges |
 Photo: F G Claramonte |
 Photo: freshwater2006 |
 Photo: David Chanzá |
 Photo: Arturo Moral |
 Photo: Nuria Padros |
 Photo: Jaime Monfort |
 Photo: Penny74 |
 Photo: RAFA-MC |
 Photo: Chiara Bonomi |
 Photo: elenenz |
 Photo: kayed1 |
 Photo: Ignacio Yrizar Fuertes |
 Photo: pablo olmos |
 Photo: Robert |
 Photo: flixxx7 |
 Photo: Priner |
 Photo: Zaniah |
 Photo: elmundoatravesdemisojos |
 Photo: Ricardo García de Marina |
 Photo: DarkShu |
 Photo: Pussy Galore2 |
 Photo: -Bea- |
 Photo: carlos Robledo. |
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Vanguard Architecture |
Paseo de la Alameda, 30 Valencia 46023 Spain +34 96 337 5020 http://www.palauvalencia.com |
The Palacio de la Musica is situated in the old river bed of the Turia. It was constructed in 1987 and is one of the banner buildings of modern Valencia, within what's known as the vanguard architecture movement in the city. One of its most distinguising features is the glass enclosure that looks out on the gardens in the Turia. From here you can watch the fountains that have been designed to spout to the beat of the music heard from the Palau throughout the garden. The building was built specifically to promote culture and that's exactly what it has done. Concerts, operas, ballets, musicals, conferences, presentations, and all sorts of other educational activities have been and continue to be held inside and outside the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Asad Chaudary |
 Photo: Visentico |
 Photo: Ulrich Metzger |
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Former island of the L'Albufera |
Autovia Sue de Valenci Valencia 46012 Spain +34 96 162 0066 |
El Palmar, which was an island in L'Albufera natural reserve until the lagoon was partially dried in the mid-Forties, is a must for those looking for the most beautiful scenery south of Valencia. You can also enjoy local cuisine here: all i pebre de anguilas (baby eels with garlic and pepper) and espardenyà. The scenic route runs between Dehesa Forest and the lake, crossing fields and palisades covered with rosebays. The fishing community, the annual lottery for fishing privileges (redolín), and the pilgrimage to Cristo de la Salut (Christ of Good Health) celebrated in the lluent (center of the lake), are traditions that live on, as if taken straight from one of Sorolla's costumbrista paintings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: anroir |
 Photo: elsa ng |
 Photo: www.lucazinga.co.nr |
 Photo: bonfa2k |
 Photo: bCL Photo |
 Photo: emiedes |
 Photo: marco annunziata |
 Photo: Vicent de los Angeles |
 Photo: Inés Novella |
 Photo: juang_61 |
 Photo: Toni Rodrigo |
 Photo: Albert Andreu Koning |
 Photo: Víctor Bellver |
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One of the most inviting |
Plaza de la Reina Valencia 46001 Spain |
The Plaza de la Reina can be found behind the Cathedral, and from this plaza you will have a beautiful view of the "Miquelet", the most famous bell tower in the city. This plaza is a pretty introduction to "Ciutat Vella" (the old city). The center of the plaza houses a small garden with benches occupied by passers-bys and pigeons taking a break. This square really is a very charming and welcoming plaza. You can hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you the old-fashioned way through the most typical spots in the old quarter, or you can relax at one of the many outdoor cafés, terraces and restaurants that line the plaza, drinking a good hot chocolate next to the Santa Catalina bell tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Viktor |
 Photo: Marcos Buigues |
 Photo: Maxime Dodinet |
 Photo: F. Dosil |
 Photo: Imraan Ismail |
 Photo: Alejandro Llanes |
 Photo: Eduardo Peiró |
 Photo: Stephan Brown |
 Photo: sarak |
 Photo: Amerigo&Loredana |
 Photo: ivan ivelic |
 Photo: Luca Ascari |
 Photo: Alicía Vázquez Camús |
 Photo: Hanna Strøm |
 Photo: danilovic_cba |
 Photo: Matthias Morano |
 Photo: chiaweb |
 Photo: Joaquin Corbalan |
 Photo: Rafael Orellano |
 Photo: razzcore |
 Photo: sarahlboyd |
 Photo: Valentin Rodriguez |
 Photo: Nida Laohavad |
 Photo: John Prince |
 Photo: António Neto |
 Photo: Romina Seijas |
 Photo: salo fjord |
 Photo: jomabesa |
 Photo: Michael Häsel |
 Photo: Francisco Sanchez |
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The city's power center |
Plaza del Ayuntamiento Valencia 46002 Spain |
The Plaza de Ayuntamiento is a point of reference to start any trip around the city of Valencia. It is especially interesting as the starting-off point for a tour through the old quarter or a busy shopping spree along some of the most important nearby shopping districts in the city. The palatial Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) building dominates the square, and its bells chime out the time to passers-by. Surrounding the plaza are other buildings from Valencia's golden age, such as the Correos building (the main post office). In the center of the plaza, a fountain spurts water, surrounded by flower stalls with all the colors, sizes, varieties (and prices) imagineable. On sunny days the plaza is filled with people out for a stroll, and during the "Fallas" festival, a swarm of people meet up here everyday at two o'clock for the "Mascleta", when kilo upon kilo of firecrackers are set off. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: René Medel |
 Photo: Germán Cuenca |
 Photo: Manuel Schmidt |
 Photo: Fredrik Stai |
 Photo: p53 |
 Photo: José Luis Velázquez |
 Photo: Vive y Deja Vivir |
 Photo: Carlos Virgen |
 Photo: Luis Alberto Díaz de |
 Photo: Nonco |
 Photo: AliasVP.net |
 Photo: Barbara Lauro |
 Photo: Laura Morgan |
 Photo: Alessandro Dubini |
 Photo: Maite San Martin |
 Photo: Joaquin Sempere |
 Photo: Isabel Ramirez |
 Photo: Eduardo Del Cerro |
 Photo: Renzo Vergara |
 Photo: César González |
 Photo: Daniele Menegatti |
 Photo: Enrique Rouget |
 Photo: Mamba Negra_85 |
 Photo: Marco J |
 Photo: dpmontgomery |
 Photo: Harry´s world |
 Photo: pegatina1: elviracm |
 Photo: agueda galimany |
 Photo: Andrés Romanos |
 Photo: Francesc Esteve |
 Old ship-building site, today museum |
Calle de Jose Aguirre Valencia 46011 Spain +34 96 352 5478 |
You can visit the Reales Atarazanas, which are located next to the plaza del Tribunal de les Aigues at the bottom of Avenida del Puerto. This is a unique and important building within the city's naval and merchantile history. The original construction dates back to the 14th century and was where ships were formerly built. Its architecture is clear indication of the wealth achieved in Valencia and the importance of commerce, especially in the 15th century. Today the Atarazanas serves a very different purpose. It now houses the Joaquín Saludes Maritime Museum, with a valuable collection of archaeological pieces and models, including the famous Libro del Consulado del Mar (Sea Consulate Log). Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 A traditional holiday |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain |
During Semana Santa, the Holy Week that leads up to Easter, religious processions pour out onto the streets of Valencia. In contrast to the other fun-filled festivals of Spain, this one is relatively subdued and solemn, but is still colorful. Images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and others are paraded in all the neighborhoods - the image of El Cristo del Salvador is especially revered, and is carried by those practicing penance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gustavo Marin |
 Photo: Gustavo Marin |
 Photo: KIVI OSMA |
 Photo: Carlos Díaz |
 Photo: Daniel Garcia |
 Photo: Ahmed BOUZID |
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A modern home for music and comedy |
Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas 60 Valencia 46015 Spain +34 96 317 9400 http://www.palcongres-vlc.com/ |
Its ultra-modern design, high-tech facilities and huge capacity have turned this new conference centre in to a venue of first choice in Spain for all types of conferences, seminars and conventions. You now have to book your event in here two years in advance. It's the work of famous British architect Norman Foster and opened in 1998. It can be used for cultural events as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |