Valencia

Valencia, also known as València, is the capital of the Valencian Community and the province of the same name in Spain. It is located on the banks of the Turia River along the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest city in Spain.

The city has a long history, starting as a Roman colony in 138 BC, named "Valentia Edetanorum". Over time, many cultures have influenced it, including Byzantine, Visigothic, and Islamic rulers. In 1238, it became part of the Kingdom of Valencia after an Aragonese conquest.

Valencia grew into an important trading city in the 15th century and became one of Europe's largest cities. Later, changes in trade routes brought economic challenges. The city became known for silk production in the 18th century.

Today, Valencia is a busy port and an important global city. It is famous for its celebrations, especially the Falles festival, recognized by UNESCO. Recently, it was chosen as the World Design Capital for 2022 and the European Green Capital for 2024.

Name

The old Latin name of the city was "Valēntia," meaning "strength" or "valour." The Romans gave this name to honor their soldiers. One story tells of Roman soldiers settling there after a battle.

When Islamic rulers controlled the area, the city was called "Medina at-Tarab," meaning "City of Joy," or "Medina at-Turab," meaning "City of Sands," because it was near the River Turia. Over time, the name changed to "Valencia" in Spanish and "València" in the local Valencian language. Today, "València" is the official name of the city.

History

Main article: History of Valencia

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Valencia.

Roman colony

Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It was founded in the Roman period around 138 BC as "Valentia Edetanorum." Later, after the Roman Empire fell, the Catholic Church took control of the city.

Middle Ages

After the Western Roman Empire ended, Valencia became part of the Visigothic Kingdom. It was later taken over by a group known as the Moors around 714 AD. The city grew during this time, and many people lived there.

In 1238, King James I of Aragon took control of Valencia. The city had hard times in the 14th century, with diseases and wars.

By the late 14th century, traders from Genoa helped Valencia become a center for making silk. The 15th century was a time of growth and culture for the city.

Modern history

After some conflicts and changes in leadership, Valencia faced challenges like wars and natural disasters. The city slowly recovered and became a center for making silk and other goods.

In the 19th century, Valencia was involved in wars with France and others. The city saw changes in leadership and growth in trade, especially with oranges and vineyards.

20th century

In the early 1900s, Valencia was an industrial city, making many products like hides, wood, and food. The city suffered during World War I and the Spanish Civil War. After the war, life was hard, but the city slowly recovered.

With democracy returning to Spain, Valencia became the capital of the Valencian Community. The city grew culturally and became known for its modern architecture and museums.

21st century

Valencia has hosted important international events, like the America's Cup yacht race in 2007 and 2009. The city has continued to grow and change over the years.

Geography

Valencia is on the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula by the Mediterranean Sea, near the Gulf of Valencia. It is on rich land made by the Turia River over many years.

Nearby is a special place called the Albufera lagoon. It used to have salt water but now has mostly fresh water. This area is important for growing rice and is a nature reserve called the Parc Natural de l'Albufera.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Valencia

Valencia has warm winters and hot, dry summers. The city stays mild all year, with average temperatures around 18.6 °C (65.5 °F). Winters are gentle, and summers can get warm. Rain is most common in autumn. The city gets plenty of sunshine, especially in summer.

Demographics

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the 21st most populous city in the European Union. It has a population of 824,304 as of 2025. The urban area around Valencia has between 1,564,145 and 1,595,000 people.

From 2001 to 2011, Valencia's population grew by 14.1%, adding 191,842 people. More people were born outside of Spain, especially from Bolivia, Romania, and Italy. This growth has also been seen in Madrid and Barcelona.

Economy

Valencia had strong growth before the Great Recession of 2008, helped by tourism and construction. Most jobs in the city are in services. There is also some industry, like car making, with a big factory in the nearby town of Almussafes.

After the Great Recession, Valencia kept improving. It is known for its mix of business, learning, fun, and culture, making it an important city. In 2022, it was chosen as the best place for people moving from other countries to live, because of its good quality of life and friendly prices.

Tourism

Since the mid-1990s, Valencia has grown in culture and tourism. Old buildings like the Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart have been fixed up, and parts of the old city have been made nicer. A long walk with palm trees was built along the beaches.

Valencia has many places to visit at night, with bars and clubs open late. It also has big halls for meetings and trade shows, and many hotels for business travelers.

The city has special traditions and festivals, like the Falles. Valencia has also hosted big events such as car races, tennis tournaments, and sailing competitions. In 2007, it held sailing races that many people came to see. Valencia was chosen as the World Design Capital in 2022 and will be the European Green Capital in 2024.

Government and administration

Main article: Ayuntamiento of Valencia

See also: Valencia City Council elections

Valencia is a local area in Spain called a municipality. It has a group of elected leaders who help run the city. In 2015, a new mayor named Joan Ribó was chosen. He was re-elected in 2019. The most recent election was on May 28, 2023, and a new mayor named María José Catalá took over.

Culture

Valencia is famous for its lively festival called the Falles, held each March. This celebration has colorful parades, fireworks, and special statues that are burned at the end. The city is also well-known for its traditional dish called paella, a tasty rice meal with meat or seafood.

Valencia has many tasty foods, such as fideuà, a dish similar to paella, and orxata, a refreshing cold drink. The city has beautiful buildings, like the City of Arts and Sciences, and many exciting traditions.

Food

Valencia is famous for its delicious food. The traditional dish called paella, a rice dish with meat or seafood, started here. Other popular foods include fideuà, arròs a banda, arròs negre, fartons, and tapas.

Valencia is also where the cold drink orxata was created. This drink is enjoyed around the world.

Languages

Valencia has two official languages: Valencian and Spanish. Most people speak Spanish, but some also speak Valencian. Both languages are important in Valencia.

Festivals

Falles

Main article: Falles

Every year from March 15 to 19, Valencia celebrates the Falles festival. This five-day celebration has parades, fireworks, and special statues. At the end of the festival, all the statues are burned in a big event.

Holy Week

The Holy Week celebrations in Valencia are very colorful and important.

Main sights

Valencia's historic center is one of the largest in Spain. Important buildings include Valencia Cathedral, the Torres de Serrans, the Torres de Quart, and the Lonja de la Seda, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

The Museu de Belles Arts de València has many paintings from old times, including works by artists like Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. The Institut Valencià d'Art Modern shows modern and new art.

Architecture

The old streets of the Barrio del Carmen have buildings from long ago. The Cathedral, built a long time ago, has a special style. Near the Cathedral is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken.

The Silk Exchange market is also a World Heritage Site. The Central Market is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station, Estació Del Nord, has a special style too.

The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is a big place for arts and science made by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It includes an opera house, a science museum, a big cinema, an ocean park, and more.

Cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral has been called different names over time. It was built starting in 1262 and has tall towers and beautiful decorations inside. The tower, called El Miguelete, is about 58 meters high.

Hospital

In 1409, a hospital was built and later became home to the Public Library of Valencia.

Medieval churches

Some old churches in Valencia include Sant Joan del Mercat, St. Nicolas, and Santa Catalina.

Squares and gardens

The biggest square in Valencia is Plaça del Ajuntament, where the City Hall is located. The Plaça de la Mare de Déu has a basilica and a fountain. The old Turia River was moved after floods, and now its path is the Turia Gardens, which has playgrounds and sports areas.

Museums

Valencia has many museums, including the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències with its opera house, big aquarium L'Oceanogràfic, science museum El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, and IMAX cinema L'Hemisfèric. Other museums are the Museu de Prehistòria de València, Museu Valencià d'Etnologia, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia.

Sport

Football

Valencia is famous for its football club, Valencia CF. This club has won the Spanish league six times, including in 2002 and 2004. It also reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2000 and 2001. The team plays at the Mestalla stadium. Their rival team, Levante UD, plays at Estadi Ciutat de València.

American football

Valencia is the only city in Spain with two teams in the top American football league, LNFA Serie A: the Valencia Firebats and the Valencia Giants. Both teams play at the Jardín del Turia stadium.

Motor sports

From 2008 to 2012, Valencia hosted the European Formula One Grand Prix on its city streets. The Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix is held every November at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Cheste.

Infrastructure

Port

Main article: Port of Valencia

Valencia has a big port on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the largest port on the west coast of the Mediterranean and handles lots of goods, like food and drinks. The port was changed in 2007 to welcome a big sailing event.

Transport

Valencia has many ways to get around. Trains and buses are run by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana, including the Metrovalencia system. There are two main train stations, and a special station for fast trains to Madrid and Alicante. The city also has an airport nearby, and another one further south in Alicante.

There is a bike-sharing program called Valenbisi with many bikes at different spots around the city. People often spend about 44 minutes each day using public transport.

Education

Valencia is home to the University of Valencia. It was founded in 1499 and is one of the oldest universities in Spain.

In 2012, the Berklee College of Music from Boston opened its first international campus at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. Valencia also offers music courses from Musikeon, a leading music school for Spanish-speaking countries.

Districts

Valencia is divided into several districts, each with its own special neighborhoods. Some of the main districts are Ciutat Vella, Eixample, Extramurs, and many more.

Other towns are also part of Valencia's municipality, located north, west, and south of the city center.

Notable people

Main page: Category:People from Valencia

Valencia has been home to many famous people. They have done important work in areas like arts, science, and sports. The city keeps helping people achieve great things.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain

Valencia has special friendships with cities around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities." Some of these cities are:

• Mainz, Germany (since 1978)
• Bologna, Italy (since 1980)
• Valencia, Venezuela (since 1985)
• Veracruz, Mexico (since 1985)
• Guangzhou, China (since 2012)
• Xi'an, China (declaration of intent in 2020)

Valencia also has friendly links with:

• Odesa, Ukraine (since 1981)
• Chengdu, China (since 2017)