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Valencia - the modern city of Spain, everything in superlative


The buildings scream futuristic, like nothing from this time Park Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències already when you google it. We also wanted to see Valencia's modern landmark; Something different than just churches and palaces in Spain.

City of the future 2030

This is how you could imagine a future city in 2030. The area around the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia could be from a Steven Spielberg film. But hasn't Valencia gone a bit overboard here?


People like to talk about creating a 1.3 billion euro playground for the senses and then having to leave some parts of the building lying idle in the wake of the nationwide economic crisis in 2012 or only using them once a year, like that „L’Àgora“.

And how does this fit in with the new title that has just been awarded? The Green Capital of Europe!


It's not just for us that everything here has a stale aftertaste of waste and delusion. The rise of many Spanish cities in the 1990s, not to be outdone in terms of vanity, took its toll. There is talk of bad investments and nationwide corruption and we would like to remind you again of the EU rescue package.

We actually establish on-site. There is no sign of the light spectacle at night and in general, some things are either inaccessible or closed.


Hemisfèric

First we are greeted by a giant clam that opens slightly. The Hemisfèric is an avant-garde building from 1998 that houses a restaurant and a digital 3D cinema with a huge concave 900 meter long screen. 45 minutes of educational-style films are offered daily. Tickets cost around €9 and should be purchased online in advance: https://www.visitvalencia.com/de/shop/touristische-eintrittskerten/eintrittskerten-cac/hemisferic-valencia-eintritts


City of Arts and Sciences

Prince Philip Science Museum

A business museum primarily designed to encourage children's curiosity with a critical spirit. Teaching delves into the world of science, technology and the environment.


Opposite the museum is the extravagant opera house with four halls on a total area of ​​37,000 m²; was one of the last openings in 2006. The only thing that really stands out is its palm garden at the top; part of the garden was open and accessible.




L’Oceanogràfic,

We didn't have Europe's largest aquarium; I wasn't comfortable with the idea of ​​45,000 marine animals from 500 different species being kept in one tank when the sea is right next door.



hungry?

There are 3 installed restaurants on the area, the Restaurante Contrapunto Les;Arts, El Restaurante Museo Trattoria, Restaurant Oceans am Aquarium - but for those on a normal budget you are also within walking distance across the street in a large shopping center with a food court for every taste well served.

Jardin del Turia - The green lung of Valencia

Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain and was a gift for loyal service to Roman legionaries and as “Valentina” on the Turia River in 137BC. was founded. In the beginning the river carried water directly into the sea. In 1957, however, the Río Turia once again overflowed its banks and caused devastating floods. As a result of the constant damage from flooding, the city gave in after a citizens' petition and approved the necessary drainage and diversion of the river. Today the Rio Turia flows around the western and southern parts of the city. In the 80s the old riverbed was redesigned and is now the green lung of Valencia. We particularly enjoyed this part of the city and spent hours wandering through the largest urban natural park in Spain.


Nine walkable kilometers of city park, with 18 bridges and, in addition to romantic corners, many sports and play areas. As we walked through, we noticed the many different types of trees in the park.

Definitely a nice local recreation area for Valencians to relax and do sports. There are specially designated cycle paths and running/jogging paths; we observe heavy traffic in the early evening hours.

At the end of the Jardin del Turia towards the Mediterranean, it virtually flows into the future area of ​​Valencia, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències as described at the beginning.

Valencia actually doesn't have much to offer that is surprising compared to other Spanish cities. Of course, the cathedral, the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, is not missing. Again a mixture of different eras, Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic and for €9 just to see the nave, it was just too expensive for us. For the 207 steps up to the tower you have to pay another €10.

Serano Türme

The Torres de Serranos are part of Valencia's medieval city walls and we were able to visit them for free with the 72-hour tourist card. The towers were used both for defense and as triumphal arches.

Palast des Markgrafen von Dos Aguas

Almost in shock, we stood in amazement in front of the spectacular alabaster façade - we hadn't expected that. We started from the Mercado Central and at some point turned into C. de la Cultura, a rather inconspicuous side street and then this small palace.


With our 72 hour Valencia card we saved half the entrance fee and luckily gave this museum a chance. The history of a former old manor house from the 18th century. The Rabassa de Perellós family, also owners of the Marquisate of Dos Aguas, also owned this building. Their influence had increased so significantly through trade with China and silk that the third Margrave decided to demonstrate this too. So he expanded the palace into a palace in several stages.


In 1941, the Ministry of Education acquired the complex and the palace also housed the National Ceramics Museum. The museum houses the largest collection of ceramics from the 8th century to today's works of art by Picasso.


We were very impressed by the magnificent design of the rooms. Explanations of the individual exhibits and rooms were offered in all languages ​​using printed laminated information sheets, easily without an app etc.

Seidenmuseum

You can also visit the Silk Exchange, directly opposite the Mercado Central and the Templo de los Santos Juanes, free of charge with the 72-hour ticket. Silk was produced here in the 15th-18th centuries. Negotiated in the century and distributed throughout the city.


The largest fresh market in Europe

Another superlative in Valencia, Mercado Central - or the "Cathedral of the Senses" has been located in a fantastic Art Nouveau building since 1917 and offers fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, delicatessen, a wide variety of eggs, nuts, spices, pasta, coffee and teas from all over the world, open sweets and much more. – as well as small tapas and wine bars for refreshments. It's also really a pleasure just to stroll the aisles and watch the hustle and bustle of trade and activity.


There has always been an open-air market in the square between the silk exchange - Lonja de la Seda - and the church Iglesia de los Santos Juanes. But it wasn't until 1839 that the Mercado Nuevo was established, initially in an open space, and a little later in the specially built 8,000 square meter early Art Nouveau building, making it still the largest fresh market in Europe.


Gallega the “fat cow” from Spain

A counterpoint to today's fast fattening and early slaughtering, the tradition from the Basque Country has made its way into world cuisine as the often cited best meat.


Thanks to relaxed import rules for meat from all over Europe, the cows are first driven to San Sebastián, where they are cut up and hung out; then the no longer so fresh Spanish cow goes back to the gourmet market - at hefty prices.





Railroad station Norte

A magnificent golden yellow building from the youth era, is located right next to the bullring and is only 200m from the town hall, making it the ideal starting point in Valencia. Today's Art Nouveau building replaces the original station building from 1851. You should definitely take a look at the main entrance, even if you are not traveling by train. Beautiful wooden-decorated counters, a large station clock and rich decorations on the wall tiles with motifs from the orange and olive harvest. The big eagle, let me explain, symbolizes speed. A very nice guest reception.

Our personal summary: We haven't mentioned the city's typical alleys and corners here. We have actually experienced this everywhere and in a more charming way. I was also rather put off by the amount of fast food, souvenir shops and cheap textile labels on offer - it felt like the same offerings on every street. No flair, no character. Yes, Valencia actually doesn't have much to offer in terms of tourism, perhaps that's why they wanted to transform themselves into an art and business city, see the beginning.


But all the debts and problems have been forgotten and so this year Valencia was named European Green Capital 2024.

Valencia has once again set itself big, this time green, goals and, in addition to CO2-documented tourism, there is also a 160km cycle path network and a largely car-free old town. So much commitment has already been rewarded with the title of European Green Capital 2024. I hope you looked carefully, Euronews >>


was actually in a great location for a city stay in Valencia. Only a 5-minute walk to the tram with a connection directly into the city, journey time approx. 25 minutes. Also suitable for caravans, spacious plots, beautifully situated on a former factory site. No supermarket, just a small snack bar. Valencia ticket and travel tickets could be purchased at reception. Friendly staff.



A few more pictures of strolling through the city:


 
 
 

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