Tourism: the city of valencia - spain

Valencia, a city of cultural and commercial prestige is situated halfway down the Eastern coast of Spain. It is considered to be one of the principle cities of the Mediterranean, and is the third most important city in Spain. Its population is 800,000 inhabitants, or 1,500,000 if we add to that the population of the surrounding suburbs and towns. A modern communications network makes Valencia easily accessible, and links Valencia to other important Spanish and European cities through its Port, Motorway links, Airport and Railway network.

We do not want this to become a historical inventory on the city of Valencia, but feel it is important as an introduction to a city which remember its past glory, whilst simultaneously modelling its future with the amplification of its infrastructures, use of new technologies and its embracing of the sea, and the constant struggle to enlarge its already consolidated prestige in commerce and culture, giving Valencia a richness apparently apparent to its visitors.

The City of Valencia, since its beginnings, has been a Mediterranean backbone, and has played an important part in its history. From the foundation of the Roman Valentia to the Valencia of the present day, this city has always been, and continues to be an important city in the cultural and economic realms, and cannot be overlooked when referring to European culture. Built upon a marshland stretching from the delta of the Xuquer river to that of the Turia river, Valencia has on it the mark of various civilisations that have passed through it.

Founded by the Romans in the year 138 bc. and subsequently invaded by the "Visigodos" King, and later by the Muslims, who made the city into a splendid economic and cultural centre, Valencia was "freed" from the Muslims by "El Cid", although it wasn't until 1238, when James the First of the Aragon kingdom conquered once and for all, that the Kingdom of Valencia was formed, and incorporated into the Kingdom of Aragon. Valencia was henceforth transformed into capital of the confederation, with its culture, commercial activity, and legal establishments with independent legislation, and became one of the most important economies of the Mediterranean in the 14th and 15th centuries. This period coincided with Valencia's "Golden age" out of which came names such as "Joanot Martorell" author of the first modern European novel (Tirant lo Blanc), and Ausias March

We do not want this to become a historical inventory on the city of Valencia, but feel it is important as an introduction to a city which remember its past glory, whilst simultaneously modelling its future with the amplification of its infrastructures, use of new technologies and its embracing of the sea, and the constant struggle to enlarge its already consolidated prestige in commerce and culture, giving Valencia a richness apparently apparent to its visitors.