| Page Views: 1,042 Last Visit to Valencia: February, 2006 | Celebrations in Valencia! by suvanki - last update: Jan 20, 2008 |
Valencia | All of us Celebrating Heathers 40th Birthday |
My trip to Valencia was to celebrate 3 of our gangs 40th Birthdays-Lou and Linda had reached that age in November/December, Heathers co-incided with our weekend away -on the 24th.
After weeks of deliberating, we narrowed the choice of places to celebrate to Valencia. None of us had been here before, flight times were ok, with a short transfer from airport to hotel, and we liked the idea of being in a city with a beach, with a mix of the old and new.
Normally I do a lot of research into the place I'm visiting. This time I decided to go with the flow, and have a complete surprise. This wouldn't be my usual city break, where I fly around between the sights armed with a notebook.
Well, Valencia was a great choice- we managed to fit quite a bit into our 2 days- some culture, a visit to the beach, a peep at the Ciudad de las Artes Y las Ciencias, A ride on the Valencia Tour bus, oh and a few bars!
We even witnessed the start of Falles - That WAS a shock - we thought we were under siege!
Hopefully one day I'll get the chance to return and see more of this fascinating city. |
| Me, Bev, Lou and Trish climbing Miguelete |
|  | Valencias roots are Roman - Valentia Edetano as it was named back in 138BC, when irrigation chanels were developed around the Rio Turia.(Some of its Roman Architecture is still evident).
Probably the biggest influence on the developing City was the Moors. In the 11th century Valencia was the capital of an independent Muslim Kingdom, Silk trading and Agriculture brought wealth and development to the area. During the 15th and 16th Centuries Valencia was one of the Mediterraneans strongest trade centres.
However, in the early 18th century Valencia fell out of favour - Filipe V abolished the autonomous privileges the city had enjoyed, in retaliation for its opposition during the War of Spanish Succession. Valencia added to this 'isolation' by siding with the Republicans, even acting as seat of the Republican government for a short while, during the Spanish Civil War, which led to years of scorn from succesive nationalist governments. Following the death of Franco, Valencia rose again, making the most of its new autonomy. |
Valencia is often described as being 'both of Spain and distinct from Spain'
It veers more to Catalan than Castile, Valenciano is a Catalan dialect, and the regions flag contains the red and yellow stripes of Catalan.
Street signs increasingly bear the Valenciano/ Catalan version.
Valencia is the name of the region and the city. Many visitors come to the region to enjoy the many coastal beach resorts, with only a few venturing into the City.
Valencia is a mix of the old and new - Roman, Medieval, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance buildings and monuments can be seen around the city - The oldest Quarter is the Barrio del Carmen.
The Cathedral holds the Holy Grail!
Over to the east of the city, Valencia has an attraction that brings nearly as many visitors as the Prado museum in Madrid - The futuristic looking City of Sciences and Arts, which was designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava.
2007 Valencia was host to the prestigious Americas Cup Yachting regatta, which has resulted in much development around the harbour area, and will bring thousands of extra visitors (and their money)
Valencia is renowned for its celebrations and night life. During March, La Falles is probably the loudest and certainly one of the liveliest street carnivals in Europe. Night life in Valencia is enjoyed by the large student population, and locals of all ages, particularly around the Barrio el Carmen.
So, plenty to see and do, good weather year round, an airport 10 mins from the centre, and a place that likes to party!!!
Yes, Valencia was a great place for our weekend celebration. | | | Heather in her Birthday outfit! |
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| Pros: | "Plenty to see and do, mix of the old and new." | | In A Nutshell: | "Great place for a winter weekend break!" |
suvanki's Valencia Travel Tips
 Comments for suvanki about Valencia | | | | |
Miek37 Thu Sep 18, 2008 00:07 UTC
Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that i enjoyed reading your tips, you're a great storyteller that gave me the feeling as if i was there! Thanks for sharing, greetings, Miek | dancinbudgie Thu Jul 17, 2008 23:55 UTC
What a great bunch of travelling companions you have! I cracked up at the thought of you thinking Monty Python at the Holy Grail! Great pages, I've had fun looking at them! Tracey | angiebabe Wed Mar 12, 2008 19:31 UTC
Hi Sue was going to choose V for Easter but decided Italy(again!3x at xmas&NYr but the cheapest choice&most likely to have a lovely spring).will have to visit V tho-I'll be back to see this pg with great anticipation later!Thx4 the visit to my Kuwait pg! | Ina22Marina Sat Apr 28, 2007 16:55 UTC
Very thoughtful of you - enjoyed the virtual tour of Valencia! Cheers, Marina |
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