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To
book a Spanish Course in Valencia
Valencia, capital of the province of Valencia, is Spain's third largest
city. The city is situated on the East coast in the centre of the region.
It is typically Spanish city and is known for its exuberant nightlife
and its vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect place to relax, have fun,
and enjoy the lively Spanish atmosphere and the friendly inhabitants.
History
The Greeks and the Carthaginians were the ones to build the earliest
settlements by the Rio Turia. In 138 BC the Romans founded a city here
and named it Valentia. The Romans began to build irrigation systems for
the area surrounding the city. Roman rule ended when the Visigoths invaded.Then,
in 709 the Muslims took Valencia and the city prospered, they helped to
develop the city into a rich agricultural and industrial centre. The Muslims
established ceramics, paper, silk, and leather industries in the city.
In 1094, the city of Valencia and many of the surrounding areas were
conquered by Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a Christian nobleman. After his death
five years later, the Almoravids took over the city. The Muslim rule ended
in 1238 , by Jaume I, who lead the Reconquista of Valencia. In the 15th
and 16th centuries, Valencia became one of the strongest trading and financial
centres in the Mediterranean. This was Valencia's Golden Age.
Climate
The Valencian climate is similar to the rest of the South and West of
Spain and the Mediterranean. Valencia is situated near the south of Spain
and so in the summer, the temperatures are very warm. In July and August
temperatures reach about 28-29 degrees. With humidity at about 68%. During
the winter, in January and December, the temperatures are usually around
15-16 degrees and so it gets cooler but still remains relatively warm.
Five
day weather forecast
City Sites
Cathedral
Valencia's cathedral is situated on the north side of the Plaza de la
Reina. It illustrates the city's architectural history. The museum of
the cathedral is said to be the home to the Holy Grail, a gold cup which
is said to have been used by Christ during the Last Supper. The museum
also contains some work by Goya and several religious icons. It is open
Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and again between 4.30 to 6pm and on
Saturday from 10am to 2 pm.
On the South-west corner is the Miguete the Cathedral's octagonal bell
tower. It has 207 steps leading up a circular staircase to the top of
the tower where there are amazing views of the city rooftops and skyline.
Entry costs 100 pesetas and it is open weekdays from 10am to 1pm, and
4.30 to 8pm and weekends from 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 8pm.
Museo de Bellas Artes
This is one of the best museums in Spain. The Museo de Bella Artes (Fine
Arts Museum) contains work by El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez and also features
artists from the school of Valencian Impressionists. There are many different
types of work from many different artists. Entry to the museum is free
and it is situated about 1km north-east from the centre. You can get there
on bus No11 from the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Opening hours are Tuesday
to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4 to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.
Palacio de Marques de Dos Aguas
This is one of Valencia's most popular attractions. It is a historic,
baroque, palace on the Calle Poeta Querol. It was rebuilt during the 18th
Century and the façade is extravagantly sculpted and well worth
a look.
Day Trips
Sanguto
Sanguto is situated 25km north of Valencia. The town contains the remains
of a Roman theatre, Castle and the Templo de Diana, all of which have
been declared National Monuments. You can explore the Roman Theatre that
was built into a curve in the hillside during the first century AD. You
can also visit the old stone castle walls that wind for a kilometre around
the hill. The castle is mostly in ruins. It is divided in to seven different
sections to represent a different period in Sanguto's history. These are
both open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 4 to 6pm. (7pm
in the summer). It is also open on Sundays and Public holidays from 10am
to 2pm. Entry to both is free.
Morella
This is a small town in the north of the province of Valencia. It is an
amazing example of a Medieval Fortress. It is also one of Spain's oldest
continually inhabited towns. The towns walls are split up by seven entrance
gates. You can visit the castle ruins and take in the outstanding view
of the town at the top of the hill. The castle grounds are open every
day from 10.30am to 6.30pm and entry costs 200 pts. There are three museums
in the towers of the walls and on the outskirts of the town you can find
the arches of a 13th Century aqueduct.
Xativa
Situated 50km South of Valencia Xativa has an amazing history. The Museo
de l'Almodi houses a collection a archaeological artworks which includes
a splendid portrait of Felipe V which hangs upside down as he set fire
to the town. Between June and September it opens daily (except Monday)
from 9am to 2.30 pm.. At other times of the year it is open Tuesday to
Friday from 11am to 2pm and 4 to 6pm. It is open at weekends from 11am
to 2pm and there is no entry cost. You can also visit Iglesia de Sant
Feliu, Xativa's oldest church, which was built in (1269). This is open
every day except Monday from 10.30am to 2pm and 4.30 to 7pm (6pm in winter)
and Entry is free.
Nights out
Valencia has an abundance of bars, restaurants and places to go out at
night. It has one of the best night life scenes in Spain. The Barrio de
Carme is the oldest part of the city and is the best place to go out and
party. The maze of streets is home to the city's best collection of bars
and pubs. Another place with a good night life is the Cuitat Universitaria,
the university area which is 2km east of the centre. To get information
about what is going on at the theatre, cinema, where to eat and the night
life you can buy Valencia's "what's-on" guide ( Donde and Turia)
at news stands for 150 pesetas.
Activities
Shopping
The main shopping areas are situated on both sides of the Plaza de Ayuntamiento.
However most upmarket shops are found in he ritzy areas to the east or
the north-east of the Plaza.
Special Events
Las Fallas
This is the main festival in Valencia and is known to be one of the wildest
festivals in the country. It takes place between 12 and 19 March. It is
a mix of fireworks, music, bonfires, and partying that goes on through
the night. The locals build 'fallas' - large sculptures, made out of papier-mache,
which are paraded through the streets. Some reach up to about 15 metres
and they are usually very colourful and funny. There are many events that
take place during this festival such as parades, street parties, and firework
displays. On each day at 2pm, a ten minute fireworks display is held in
the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. On the last night of this festival, all the
fallas are set alight and burnt.
Where can I find the….
Tourist Information
Valencia's main tourist office can be found on the Plaza de Ayuntamientos
and is open weekdays from 8.30am to 2.15pm and 4.15 to 6.15pm. and Saturday
from 9.15am to 12.45m. The telephone number is 351 04 17.
Banks
There are plenty of banks with ATM machines around the Plaza de Ayuntamiento.
There is also a currency exchange office at the El Corte Ingles department
store which is about 500m from the Plaza de Ayuntamiento on the Calle
Pintor Sorolla. American Express has a agency at Duna Viajes, Calle Cirilo
Amoros 88.
Post and Communications
The main post office in Valencia is on the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. It is
open weekdays from 8am to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. There is a
Telefonica phone office at the Estacion del Norte train station and it
is open every day from 8am to 9pm. The telephone code for Valencia is
96.
Airport Transfers
The Aeroport de Manises is 15km west of the centre of Valencia. A taxi
into the centre should cost around 1800pts.
To
book a Spanish Course in Valencia
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