Visit Valencia, Spain

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Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, the birthplace of the quintessential Spanish dish “paella”, the host of the 2007 and 2010 America’s Cup Yacht Race and the home of the extraordinary City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia borders the Mediterranean Sea and is the host of the annual Fallas Festival, held each March, one of the most unique celebrations in the world where fire and fireworks hold center stage in this religion based festival. Two museums in Valencia are dedicated to the Fallas Festival, Museo Fallero and Muse de Artistas Fallero provide perspective to visitors to Valencia that cannot attend the carnival in person. Valencia is an ancient city, founded by the Romans and subsequently held by the Moors from the 8th century to the 13th. Two medieval towers remain in Valencia as a nod to its rich history that originally was part of the walled old city: Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano. The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts) is to modern architecture what the towers were to building design in their time. This entertainment oriented complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candara exhibits avant-garde architectural masterpieces in the various buildings that make up the “city”: An IMAX theater, Planetarium and Laserium are located in a building designed in the shape of an eye; An interactive science museum is housed in a building resembling the skeleton of a whale; L’Umbracle, a walkway landscaped with indigenous plant life of Valencia envelopes the “Walk of Sculptures” and its contemporary works by well known sculptors; An open-air oceanographic aquarium and park – L’Oceanografic; An opera house and performing arts center; a bridge comprising the highest point in the city; Three skyscrapers dubbed “The Valencia Towers”. The City of Sciences is a work in progress and interesting additions are part of its future. A visit to Valencia would not be complete without sampling the authentic Paella served in a multitude of restaurants. Some of the best renditions may be found in the beach neighborhood known as Malvarossa. Bodegas and Tapas bars abound offering Spanish style dining before visiting Valencia’s famous pubs for an evening of dancing and listening to music. A Formula One grand prix race, The European Grand Prix, is held in Valencia on a street course in August creating additional excitement in a city already piqued with summer fever. Sailing enthusiasts enjoy the reliable weather and the historical perspective since the Port of Valencia has staged 2 America’s Cup Yacht races. Valencia, Spain is a city with a rich history combined with modern architectural models and relishes its role in auto and yacht racing. Your dream trip to Valencia can begin today by adding it to your list.

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