"Put your hands up for Valencia, I love... " a Valencia Travel Page by chbuchie

I love this city !!

Although living in the shadow of Madrid and Barcelona, this city has it all

- nice climate -- 21 Celsius on December 30th !!
- a top new site with splendid architecture : la Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias
- beach
- Port America Cup
- charming old town
- good football team, though it's a pity they beat my favourite Olympique Marseille in 2004
- good nightlife
- very clean city
- a moorish castle nearby in Sagunt
- natural park in the south : Albufera

The city was founded by the romans in 138 BC, yet grew up in the shadow of neighbouring Sagunto (see my description further)
When the Moors left after 5 centuries starting from 718 Valencia knew a period of decline, yet participated for a great deal in both the economic and cultural revival of the country
In June 1982 the Communidad Valenciana created its own government and parliament after approving the autonomous statute.
This long history shows especially in the city centre with fantastic plazas, buildings, statues, cosy lil' streets, ... However the image that sells the city today is la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, representing Valencia anno 2000 and turning it into one of the most modern European cities.