Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Historical Valencia is worth a visit anytime

If you have tasted juicy sweet oranges from Valencia, you have already enjoyed a part of Valencia in Spain. This region is world renown for its delicious and juicy oranges grown in plentiful groves along its vast land. Valencia is a 2,000 year old city in Spain that boasts of years of Moorish culture through many such structures and monuments.

History preserved

There are excellently preserved Moorish baths called ‘Abd-al-Malik Baths’ which the locals call Baños del Almirante. It simply means Admiral's Baths. Further Moorish culture can be observed at broken walls that surround Valencia Kingdom from 12th century that runs along Salinas Street.

This city has plenty of history and culture to offer from its magnificent Gothic architecture such as the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral which was built in 1262, and the city’s famous 14th century Gothic belfry that is octagonal in shape. This historical bell tower is nicknamed Little Michael and stands high as the city’s landmark. There are 207 steps to conquer before being rewarded with a stunning city view.

The amazing historical Valencia Cathedral stands majestically in the old section of the city which houses the SEU museum; it is the oldest cathedral in this city that houses the Holy Grail more reverently referred to as the Holy Chalice of Valencia. Another exciting historical building is the church tower of Santa Catalina also placed in the historical part of this city which stands as the city’s landmark. La Longa is another must-see historical site which was once busy with silk trading.

Festivals

Festivals abound in Valencia today with the March Fallas which goes on for a full week. This is a very popular festival enjoyed by all people as large papier-mâché shapes are used in bonfires with fireworks lighting the sky at night. The air is fouled with gunpowder from all the firework festivity. This festival was originally set up to dispose of accumulated carpentry trash but today, creative pieces of sculptures are formed so they can be set ablaze.

Other festivals celebrated in Valencia are religiously slanted as in the celebration of the Christian Re-Conquest, where mock fights are displayed to enact the battles between Christians and Moors.

Attractions

Valencia is a very exciting city with many attractions to lure any visitor. One such popular attraction is the Arts and Sciences center with the city’s astounding Aquarium nearby. This Aquarium proves to be Europe’s biggest aquarium and marine attraction.

A stunning complex by Felix Candela houses these attractions together with a planetarium, the city’s science museum, beautiful gardens and the city’s own grand opera building.

To rent a holiday villa on the Costa Blanca just browse location villa espagne, vacances en espagne and villa espagne of Club Villamar and here you can also read my Bookmarking Alen Becker and read my Blogs Alen Becker.

No comments:

Post a Comment