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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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