The third-largest city in Spain and the country's beating heart of culture, history and art, Valencia is also famed as the city in which the delicious dish of Paella originated. Founded as a Roman Colony in 138 B.C., the region was eventually occupied by Moors and Arabs in 714. The new rulers brought with them their language, culture and architecture, which is still evident in the city today. The region's sunny, temperate climate is a magnet for beach lovers and the city's gastronomic specialities delight seasoned foodies.
This beautiful city also boasts a myriad of interesting attractions and sites; from the Moorish and Arabic inspired architecture to the plethora of markets and shopping centres, pristine beaches and colourful, vibrant festivals. Las Fallas, for example, occurs on the 12th of March and spans seven days. The event originated in Medival times, when the carpenters of the city would burn their rubbish outside of their workshops to celebrate the emergence of spring. Nonetheless, the week leading up to the fiesta is equally symbolic, with locals parading the streets in traditional costumes, and also a huge firework display, known as mascletà, is held daily in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
The vibrant and historic city of Valencia boasts an array of interesting sites and attractions. The region's impressive menus excite dedicated foodies and the quality of the local beaches is second to none.
Established in 1836, Bodega Casa Montana is hailed for its fine tapas menu and excellent wine list. Although paella is a firm favourite with diners, the restaurant's seafood tapas is award winning and should be sampled to be fully appreciated.
La Malvarrosa is the city's main beach and popular with both the locals and tourists alike. This very large beach is never crowded even in peak season and as such does not feel touristy or overcrowded. El Saler Beach is a little over 10 km from the city and flanked by huge sand dunes. The beach is a haven for wildlife and, like La Malvarrosa, is never crowded.
González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts, as its name suggests, is home to an array of ceramic, art and furniture exhibits from the 18th and 19th Century. The museum contains three floors and is housed in a Gothic/Baroque palace.
Valencia is famed for more than Paella! Each year, the city hosts a selection of colourful and flamboyant fiestas which attract thousands of visitors to the area.
Las Fallas and Mascletà. Every August, and spanning seven days, Las Fallas is a Medieval celebration of Spring. When the festival first originated, carpenters would burn rubbish outside their yards to welcome the new season. The week before Las Fallas, however, locals parade the streets in traditional costume and mascletà, a spectacular firework display, is held in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Feria de Julio. The July Festival is held in Paseo de la Alameda and in the Viveros gardens. It tempts festival goers with live performances of rock and pop bands, ballet, theatre and competitions.
Semana Santa. Semana Santa occurs on Easter Week and involves a succession of parades from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The event is hosted at El Cabanyal, the city's fishing quarter, and participants dress in Roman regalia or as biblical characters.
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