Valencia

Valencia, also known as València, is the capital of the Valencian Community and the province of the same name in Spain. It lies on the banks of the Turia River along the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of 824,340, it is the third-largest city in Spain.

The city has a long history, beginning as a Roman colony in 138 BC, named "Valentia Edetanorum". Over time, it has been influenced by many cultures, 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, becoming one of Europe's largest cities. However, changes in trade routes and other challenges caused economic difficulties later on. The city became known for silk production in the 18th century and played a role in the Spanish Civil War as a government seat from 1936 to 1937.

Today, Valencia is a busy port and a important global city. It is famous for its celebrations, especially the Falles festival, recognized by UNESCO. In recent years, it has been 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." This name came from the Romans who honored their soldiers after wars. One famous story tells of Roman soldiers settling there after fighting a rebel named Viriatus.

During the time when Islamic rulers controlled the area, the city was called either "Medina at-Tarab," meaning "City of Joy," or "Medina at-Turab," meaning "City of Sands," because it sat beside 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, 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 as new groups of people moved in.

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, including Jewish communities, lived there.

In 1238, King James I of Aragon took control of Valencia. The city faced hard times in the 14th century, including 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 a period of conflict and changes in leadership, Valencia faced challenges including 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 under strict rule, 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

In 2006, a tragic accident happened on the city's metro system. Valencia has also 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 found on the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula by the Mediterranean Sea, close to the Gulf of Valencia. It sits on rich land made by the Turia River over many years.

Nearby, there is a special place called the Albufera lagoon. It used to be filled with salt water but is now 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 throughout the year, with average temperatures around 18.6 °C (65.5 °F). Winters are gentle, while summers can get quite warm. Rain is most common in the autumn. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine, especially in the summer months.

Demographics

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the 21st most populous city in the European Union, with 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. The number of people born outside of Spain also increased, especially from Bolivia, Romania, and Italy. This growth in people from other countries has also been seen in Madrid and Barcelona.

Economy

Valencia had strong economic growth before the Great Recession of 2008, helped by tourism and construction. The city's work is mostly in services, where most people find jobs. It also has some industry, especially in making cars, with a big factory in the nearby town of Almussafes.

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

Tourism

Since the mid-1990s, Valencia has grown a lot 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 lots of 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, which is very famous. 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 called the Consell Municipal de València who help run the city. In 2015, a new mayor named Joan Ribó was chosen, and he was not from the People's Party, which had been in charge since 1991. He was re-elected in 2019. The most recent election was on May 28, 2023, and a new mayor named María José Catalá from the People's Party took over.

Culture

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

Valencia has many tasty foods, such as fideuà, a dish similar to paella, and orxata, a refreshing cold drink made from a special type of seed. The city has a rich culture with beautiful buildings, like the City of Arts and Sciences, and many exciting traditions throughout the year.

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 (black rice), fartons, bunyols, Spanish omelette, pinchos, tapas, and calamares (squid).

Valencia is also where the cold drink orxata, made from a special seed called xufa, was created. This drink is enjoyed in many places around the world.

Languages

Valencia has two official languages: Valencian and Spanish. Today, most people in the city speak Spanish, but some also speak Valencian. Both languages are important in Valencia, and the city has special rules to protect and teach the Valencian language.

Festivals

Falles

Main article: Falles

Every year from March 15 to 19, Valencia celebrates the Falles festival. This five-day celebration includes parades, fireworks, and the building of special statues called ninots. These statues often show famous people or events from the past year in a funny or thoughtful way. At the end of the festival, all the statues are burned in a big event called "La Cremà."

Holy Week

The Holy Week celebrations in Valencia are very colorful and important. They were named a "Festival of National Tourist Interest" in 2012.

Main sights

Valencia's historic center is one of the largest in Spain, covering about 169 hectares. 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 the 1300s to 1700s, including works by artists like Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. The Institut Valencià d'Art Modern shows modern and contemporary art.

Architecture

The old streets of the Barrio del Carmen have buildings from Roman and Arab times. The Cathedral, built between the 1200s and 1400s, mixes Valencian Gothic style with some Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Near the Cathedral is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken.

The Silk Exchange market, built in early Valencian Gothic style, is also a World Heritage Site. The Central Market, in Valencian Art Nouveau style, is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station, Estació Del Nord, is also in this style.

The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is a big complex of buildings for arts and science designed 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 known by 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 and has a bell tower on top.

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 the Basilica of the Virgin and a fountain. After serious floods, the old Turia River was moved, and now its former 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 well-known 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's home is the Mestalla stadium, which can hold up to 49,000 fans. 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. The Firebats have won the national championship four times and have played in European competitions since 2005. 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 last race in 2012 was won by local driver Fernando Alonso driving for Ferrari. The Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix is held every November at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Cheste. Sometimes, Valencia also hosts races for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters touring car series.

Rugby League

Valencia is home to the Asociación Española de Rugby League, the group that oversees Rugby league in Spain. The city has many clubs and has hosted all of Spain’s international home matches. In 2015, Valencia held a match that helped Spain qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Spain won that match with a score of 40–30.

Infrastructure

Port

Main article: Port of Valencia

Valencia has an important port on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the biggest port on the western coast of the Mediterranean and handles many goods, especially food and drinks. The port was changed to welcome a big sailing event in 2007, with one part staying the same and another part being adjusted for the 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 not far away, 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 usually spend about 44 minutes each day using public transport, and some ride for even longer distances.

Education

Valencia is home to the University of Valencia, which was founded in 1499. It is one of the oldest universities in Spain and was named among the top universities in the country.

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

Districts

Valencia is divided into several districts, each with its own unique neighborhoods. Some of the main districts include 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 throughout history. These individuals have made important contributions in various fields such as arts, science, and sports. The city continues to inspire and support people who achieve great things.

Twin towns – sister cities

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

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

• 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 connections with:

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