VALENCIA
Valencia - is the third largest city in Spain. It is one of the most beautiful and old cities in Spain. The heritage of ancient monuments, views and cultural attractions makes Valencia on of the country´s most popular tourist destinations. Major places include The Port of Valencia, an airport and hotels. Valencia has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with long warm summers and mild winters. Valencia has a lot of monuments and beautiful architecture.
La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The City of Arts and Sciences is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia. The complex is made up of 5 following buildings: “El Museo de las Ciencias”, “L´Oceanografic”, “L´Hemisferic”-an IMAX Cinema, planetarium and laserium, “El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia”-it contains four large rooms a Main Room, Magisterial Classroom, Amphitheater and Theater of Camara. The building has a metalic feather outer roof. “El Museu de les Ciencies” is an interactive museum of science that resembles the skeleton of a whale. The building made up of three floors of 33 meters high. Also you can see a BBC movie on the large screen, 21 meters high. There is a great park, L´Umbracle- a landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia.
Bioparc
Bioparc - is one of the biggest zoos in Europe. Most of the animals moved to the new Bioparc facilities from the old city´s zoo when the park opened in 2008. The concept of the zoo, called zooimersion in Spanish, consists of immersing visitors into the animals´ habitat and not vice versa. This is achieved by not using the traditional railings and cages that are common in many zoos, using instead rivers, ponds streams and rocks to separate visitors from the animals. Also great care has been taken in reproducing the eco-system, including an important collection of African flora. The visitor feels totally submerged in the wild habitats that have been recreated here: the Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. A recreation of the Savannah giraffes, lions, gorillas, elephants, birds, etc. Bioparc Valencia is boundless nature in the city of Valencia, a place to enjoy, discover and appreciate the wild world.
El Oceanográfico
L´Oceanográfic was opened in 2002, it is the largest complex in Europe with a water capacity of 42 million liters. This includes a dolphinarium, ocean tank with sharks, rays and other fish. There are 45000 animals of many different species including fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates-amongst these are sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, beluga whales. This area includes the tunnel of 30 meters long, a garden with more than 80 different species of plant.
El Jardin del Turia
Valencia grew up on river Turia. However, the river had always been prone to floods and in 1957 the flood was particularly bad. A fair few people lost their lives, much of the city was devastated. Valencia decided to divert the course of the river. And the fertile soil of the riverbed quickly gave life to a lush garden. The Garden of Turia is a jewel of Valencia. Historically the riverbanks were saturated with various architectural monuments, museum and culture centers. The government went further and developed the riverbed into an entire world of leisure and culture. There are numerous playgrounds and sports areas, fountains and well-trimmed arty gardens. The riverbed is always full of people, there is something for everyone. With time, the riverbed became the obvious area for new cultural projects: Palau de la Musica now has its own section of the garden, while the City of Arts and Sciences sits right in the river bed. And the space between Bridge de las Flores and the Calatrave Bridge always has some kind of fair, festival or circus residing there.
El Mercado Central
The Central Market is a public market located in Valencia. It is one the oldest markets in Europe (1910-1928). It is generally considered one of the oldest European markets still running. Most vendors sell food items, although souvenir shops and restaurants are located inside the market as well. It is a popular location for tourists and locals alike. The modernist style of building is impressive to say to least. Upon entering the building, the first thing to notice is the sheer scale and size of the market itself, with ornate iron vaulted beams, hand painted patterned tiles of all hues, and so much light streaming in, with huge overhead fans up in the gods, and a massive and very intricate glass dome 30 meters high with stained glass patterns depicting Valencian fruit, the main stay of the areas produce and international exports for hundreds of years.
Lonja de la Seda
The Lonja de la Seda is a late Valencia Gothic style civil building in Valencia, built between 1482 and 1533 (XV-XVI) and one of the principal tourist attractions in the city. The Lonja de la Seda was originally used for trading in silk and it has always been a center for commerce. It is masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The USESCO considered it as a World Heritage Site. The main body of the building is The Trading Hall, also, The Consulate of the Sea, The Tower and the large garden. The grandiose Contractor Trending Hall, in particular, illustrates the power and wealth of a Major Mediterranean mercantile city. A Latin inscription in Gothic characters runs round the walls, which proclaims the principles upon which trade within the hall is based: honesty of its traders and justice of its syndics. The Lonja was originally a prison for bankrupt traders and the first bank of Spain. Now it is a museum.
El Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museo de Bellas Artes is an art gallery in Valencia. It is one of the most famous museums in Valencia and one of the best in Spain. It houses some 2000 works, most dating from 14th-15th centuries, including a Self-portrait of Diego Valázquez, a St. John the Baptist by El Greco, Goya´s Playing Children, and Joaquin Sorolla. The museum has also sections dedicated to sculpture, to contemporary art and to archeological findings.
Catedral de Valencia
The Cathedral de Valencia is a church, Gothic architecture, dedicated to the worship of God the Father, welcome the believers and men of good will. Witness of the passing of the centuries, its history is master of humanity and its images, archives and the architecture are signs of the cultural and religious vitality of the Valencian Christian people in its Catalan or Mediterranean version, the predominant style of this cathedral, although it also contains Renaissance and Neo-Classical elements. The cathedral contains numerous paintings, some by local artists, and others by artists from Rome. Most of Valencia Cathedral was built between the XIII-XIV century, and thus its style in mainly Gothic. The Cathedral is not a museum, though there are many interesting things to contemplate.
El Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias
The National Ceramics Museum Gonzalez Marti is housed in a palace that dates from the 15th century and was refurbished in 1740 on rococo style with a magnificent alabaster entrance. Inside, you can find the 18th century carriages, the 19th century rooms, medieval ceramics and an important collection of tiles. Its present aspect is the result of a Rococo conversion carried out in XVIII century on the house belonging to the Rabassa de Perellós, title-holders of the marquisate of Dos Aguas. The main door is on one side of the house and is crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary, from which two streams of plentiful water flow, symbolizing the Júcar and the Turia rivers. The Gonzalez Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts contains an important collection of ceramics, with prehistoric, Roman, Greek and Arab items. In this place, ceramic is accompanied by decorative arts, furniture, clothing, numismatics, paintings and graphic art.
Las Fallas
In the middle of the Mediterranean coast, Valencia city, celebrates each year the final days of the winter and the arrival of spring with spectacular fires and pyrotechnics. From March 15 to 19 (the feast of Saint Joseph, day of the father in the whole country), Valencia is given over to a carnival of bonfires, fiesta, fireworks and a healthy dose of satire known as Las Fallas, the fires. Historians say that the origins of the festival go back to the time when carpenters cleared out their workshops and talleres at the end of winter, throwing out odds and ends of wood and old candles and lighting them on the street the day of Saint Joseph. Displayed on every corner all over the city are colorful ninots, giant papier-mâché figures often 20 feet tall or even more that have been paraded through the streets and then placed in fantasy groups to tower over excited spectators. Each one in some way satirizes a political figure, or a soap star, or more exotic creatures from the movies, TV, sports idols, or simply imagination. Some of them are grotesque – others playful and charming – all are larger than life and up for public scrutiny. Every day at 2pm firecrackers rip through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in an noisy event called la Mascleta. This concert of gunpowder is very popular and involves different neighborhood groups competing for the most impressive volley, ending with the terremoto, as hundreds of masclets exploiting simultaneously. While this may not be for the frail or faint-fainthearted, you understand how hearted, the Valencians got their valiant name. Another important event is the Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados, a beautiful ceremony every March 17 and 18, that honours Valencia's patron Virgin. Thousands of Falleras and Falleros arrive to the city from every corner of the Comunitat (Valencia State) and take the streets wearing traditional costumes and dancing to their neighborhood or village bands as they wend their way to the Plaza de la Virgen to offer bouquets to the giant image of the Virgin. Nowadays, celebrations draw to an end with a fabulous firework display in the Paseo de la Alameda, called the Nit de Foc, on March 19. All Fallas burn all over the city the Crema night (including the winner of the competition) in a tremendous spectacle of fire and joy. Valencia is at that moment like Nero's Rome, a city in flames. That is why Valencians call this the best firework fiesta in the world! Don´t miss it!
Spanish Cuisine
Spanish Cuisine - it is one of the attractions of the country. For every tourist this country is wonderful and unique, and for gourmets- it is a paradise. The cuisine of Valencia has two components: the rural and the seafood. There are dishes that everyone has to try: the most popular dish is paella, which has become a classic and pride of Spain, also a popular omelet of potatoes and eggs- tortilla, delicious gazpacho soup, spicy sausages chorizo, ham (jamón), blue cheese Cabrales and delicious churros with hot chocolate. There are many rice dishes, for example, paella. Valencia- it is the main rice-growing region of Spain, only in Valencia you can taste original paella, according to old recipes. Seafood- an integral part of Spanish cuisine. Everyone loves oysters, scallops, mussels, shrimps, etc. One of the most popular fishes is tuna. Obligatory attributes of Spanish cuisine are olives and olive oil. Olive oil is used throughout the world, but especially in the Mediterranean countries, which has the highest consumption per person. Nougat (turron)- the most famous Spanish sweet, a wide variety of nougat is available for Christmas. Wine- one of the most consumed beverages in Spain, and also sangria with the addition of various fruits. Do not miss the popular Valencian drink horchata, made of special tuber earth almonds Chufa (only grows in valencian gardens). Try a refreshing and unique taste of traditional sweet snack- fartonami. You should try it yourself!
Bullfighting
Bullfighting it is a national spirit - national festival. Bull - one of the country symbols, even informally placed on the Spanish flag instead of the coat of arms. Bullfighting-a mandatory element of the program of urban and rural festivals, there are bullfighting clubs, which have their own uniform, orchestra playing traditional paso doble. Toreadors are the real Spanish heroes, they are the country symbol. Spectacular view of the Spanish bullfighting will leave you very surprised. It is a colorful spectacle, the old tradition, the game on the brink of life and death. The presentation held at the arena with a diameter of 52 meters, built on the similarity of the ancient Roman amphitheater, surrounded by columns and balustrades, located on four levels. This arena resembles the Roman Colosseum, bullfights are held there for 150 years. Recently, the arena is used for the city festivals, events and concerts. The bullfight goes only on Fallas in March.
Oranges
Valencia is the land of oranges. Its name capitalizes upon the traditional reputation of Valencia, Spain, known for its sweet orange trees. Primarily grown for processing and orange juice production, Valencia oranges have seeds, varying in number from zero to seven per fruit. However, its excellent taste and internal color make it desirable for the fresh markets, too. Oranges are without any doubt the most important citrus crop in the world and Spain produces a vast amount. Spain produces a variety of oranges. The orange tree lives about 700 years. The modern orange tree lives only 75 years. Valencian orange is the sun in your hands!
Beaches
Valencian beaches are diverse and luxurious! Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa, La Patacona, each one is a continuation of the other, with the occupation of more than 4 km long and 150 meters wide, they surprise of their spaciousness! Along the beaches you can find lots of restaurants, cafes where you can taste a typical Spanish snack. Also there are many areas of active recreation, walking areas, bike paths and playgrounds. People come there to play volleyball, beach soccer or to take a walk. These beaches are famous with their various cultural events, one of the most colorful is International Kite Festival., most of competitions are held there. All the beaches are equipped with showers, rental sunbeds. The rescue service and doctors are always willing to help. Valencian beaches are known by their soft and fine sand. Enjoy your vocation and new experiences!
Fabricas de Muebles de España
Spain is famous for its furniture factories. Valencia is considered the heart of the furniture industry. Manufacturers’ mastery is passed on from generation to generation for many centuries, tricks and secrets of the masters continued to "live" at the factories. Spain has more than 300 furniture factories and enterprises. Spanish masters work with different styles - both in a classic style and modern. Spanish furniture is in demand worldwide. We can not represent all furniture factories on our website, but the most famous and popular products you can see in more detail. For your convenience, each furniture factory is represented by a separate section that contains factory production. Spanish furniture - elegant, elite, exclusive, and always neat in its design, it is distinguished by its color, design, hand-carved and inlaid. Spanish furniture is very high quality, functional and easy to use!