Valencia,
Spain's third largest city, is a vibrant mix of
historical treasures, modern excitement, pretty
plazas and parks and recreational opportunities
in a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
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The hub of central Valencia is the
Plaça
del Ajuntament
(Town Hall Square) around which lie
stunning neoclassical buildings with modernist exteriors and
baroque-inspired interiors.
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Open to the
public, the Town Hall affords a view of the store-lined
streets of the downtown core and the lanes leading to
Valencia's Old Town.
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A fascinating
exhibit at the Town Hall
includes photos of its own destruction during the Spanish Civil
War.
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The Old Town Barrio del Carmen
surrounds Queen Square with its view of the 13th century
Basilica and Cathedral
and its tower the Micalet.
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Built between 1392 and 1398, the Towers of
Serranos
is one of the twelve gates that guarded the Christian city walls
of Valencia.
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The Art Nouveau style Mercat de Colon
market displays a wonderful selection of meats, cheeses, wines,
nuts and other delicacies.
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In the 1990's Valencia underwent major
renovations to turn gritty neighbourhoods into tourist
destinations.
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Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the City
of Arts and Sciences has futuristic structures housing a
planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum.
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The exterior
facades and interior rooms of Valencia's ecclesiastical,
commercial and government buildings are rich with exquisite
architectural details.
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Valencia diverted its flood-prone Turia
river to the outskirts and converted the former riverbed into a
green ribbon of park winding through the city.
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17 bridges, old and new, cross the
greenway including pretty Puente de Las Flores (Bridge of
Flowers).
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