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C. Valenciana - SOL Spain On Line

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C. Valenciana

C. Valenciana

Introduction The Valencian region is made up of three provinces: - Valencia - Alicante - Castellón de la Plana (The region is surrounded by the Catelonia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia regions….and the sea.) Rutas y actividades en Valencia. Valencia is the fourth largest Spanish region in area (23,000 square km), the fourth largest in population(four million) and has the third greatest density, mainly concentrated in the coastal towns. But it is not just about costas and sunbathing. It has a rich and varied hinterland with some spectacular mountain ranges, rising to almost two thousand metres, diverse woodlands of ravines and fast flowing rivers, wetlands and a wildlife diversity that would be the envy of anywhere. Such natural riches, in part, explain why it has attracted settlements from the earliest times and why it has now a heritage that attracts so many visitors. Heritage World Hritage by UNESCO: - Palmeral de Elche (2000) - La Lonja de la Seda o de los MErcaderes (1996) - Arte Rupestre de Alicante, Castellón y Valencia (1998) Over the centuries the different peoples that established themselves in the region have left examples of their creativity. Among the earliest is the sculpture of the Dama de Elche, which most experts agree, is of Iberian origin. The most important Roman contribution is, probably, the Theatre and Enclosure at Sagunto. The Moors bequeathed many valuable castles and towers, and so much more. Notable churches in the classic, romanesque style, include the façade of Valencia cathedral, Santa Maria in Puig(Valencia) and San Salvador(Sagunto). The valencian gothic style is different to that in the rest of Spain with its low form and an absence of embellishments in the windows and on the walls. Examples can be seen in the church of La Sangre in Lliria(Valencia),in the tower of Miguelete in the cathedral(Valencia),in the churches of San Nicolas and Santa Catalina(Valencia) in the cathedral of Orihuela and in the church of Santa Maria de Morella. The best examples of civic gothic buildings in Valencia are the Lonja de la Sede(designated by UNESCO), the Palace of the Generalitat, the Concentina, the Gandia and the Onil. Good examples of religious baroque in Valencia are the churches of Santos Catalina and the Campanario of Santa Catalina next to the churchof Benicarlo. One of the best of examples of rococo is the door of the Palace of the Marques de dos Aguas. Festivals, traditions and gastronomy The diversity of the different historical traditions gives Valencea a rich folklore. The majority of villages and towns have festivals that are a mixture of music, dancing and fireworks, which makes for extravagant and lively shows. The ones that stand out are – the Fallas of Valencia (March), the Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante (June), the Tomatina (Tomato Party!) in Bunol, (August), the Feast of Magdalena in Castillon(?when), Moors and Christians in Alcoy(July), the Cocentaina and Ontinyent (?when), the Mystery of Elch (August)and the Sextenial of Morella(?when). The appreciation of and the performance of so much music has encouraged the formation of many local bands, among the highest number in europe. The 9 October(the date of the entrance of King Jaime I into Valencia) is the official Fiesta of Valencia, though there is another one on 25 April, this time to celebrate the defeat of the Austrian-Hapsburgs in the battle of Almansa(1707) during the wars of the Spanish succession, which in turn brought about the loss of the city´s ancient charters. In gastronomy, rice is typically the main ingredient in many Valencian dishes – such as: Arroz a banda, and arroz con costra. Specialist dishes are All i Pebra, made with eels and found mainly around Albufera; Tiger nut milk in Alboraya(Valencia). The pancakes of Alberique and the Nougat of Jijona. History There is a lot of archeological evidence, such as cave paintings and stone implements, to show that the region was settled in prehistory times, mainly by the Iberos. The Greeks and the Phoenicians established colonies along the coast. The Romans arrived after their wars with the Carthaginians. The siege and destruction of Sagunta, loyal to Rome, by Hannibal was the turning point of the Punic wars. Later the Visigoths and the Moors came but they did not change the population as much as the political and cultural character of the region. Jaime I conquered in 1238 and turned it into the kingdom of Aragon and largely repopulated it with the Aragonese and Catalans(which explains the similarities of the Valencian and Catalan languages). Meanwhile, the Moors continued to work the land now owned the Christians. But their expulsion in 1609 provoked a demographic crisis from which the region did not recover until the eighteenth century. After the wars of succession in which the Valencians backed the losing side, the new King Felipe V ordered the removal of all their historic privileges and imposed Castillian laws. During the nineteenth century the kingdom was transformed from a largely feudal society to a capitalist one – in one leap! In the twentieth century the region embraced industrial and population expansion while retrieving some its lost cultural heritage, epitomised by the restoration of the valencian language. With the advent of tourism from the 1960s and the European Union help from the 1980s Valencia has made the most of its outstanding natural resources and rich heritage for the benefit of its citizens – and for others from afar who accept the invitation to join them on holiday - or for longer.

Map of Valencia Accomodation 3* Hotel Ad Hoc Monumental (Valencia Capital) 3* Hotel Albahía (Alicante) 3* Hotel Palace Bristol (Valencia Capital) 3* Hotel Stella Maris (Santa Pola, Alicante) 4* Hotel Albir Playa (Alfás de Pi, Alicante) 4* Hotel Oasis Gandía Playa (Gandía, Valencia) 4* Hotel Pueblo Acantilado (El Campello, Alicante) Más hoteles en la provincia de Valencia Hoteles en la provincia de Alicante Hoteles en la provincia Castellón de la Plana Countryside The topography of the region offers the visitor, in a relatively small area, an extraordinary range of landscapes – high Sierras, lush forests, deep valleys with rushing rivers, steep cliffs and seemingly endless beaches. The most important wildlife places are the Country Parks(15) such as those at – Marjal de Pego and Oliva, Sierra lderona, Sierra de Espadan, Sierra de Irta and Mariola, Islas Columbretes, Lakes of Mata and Torrevieja, Salinas de Santa Pola,(Albufera), Carrascar de la Font Roja, Desert de Palmes, Fondo, Montgo, Penjal difac, and Prat de Cabanes(Torreblanca) Other places of particular interest are – the high cave of Mijares and Palancia, the Alto Turia, Palmeral of Elx, Rincon of Ademuz, Ports of Morella and Marina of the Isla de Tabarca. Beaches The Costa del Azahar of some seventy five miles, has fine and warm beaches, wild and beautiful coves bathed by a radiant sun and the gentle waters of the mediterranean. The resorts of Vinaroz, Peniscola, Oropesa and Benicassim are the places most visitors head for. At the same time, less well known places – like Benicarlo – are beginning to flourish. The Costa Blanca extends from Denia to Pilar de la Horadada passing through Xabia, Calpe, Altea, Alicante, Orihuela, Santa Pola and Torrevieja. This is a place of exceptional light, warmth and mediterranean freshened air.. The Costa Blanca offers all the amenities and services that a visitor could wish for in one of the most cosmopolitan parts of Europe where visitors and locals together have forged something special – festivals, gastronomy, sports, arts – in fact, something for everyone. The beaches of the Costa Blanca can be either hidden and peaceful or majestic and impressive. But each one provides an unforgettable holiday. Activities and sports Two sports in particular have unrivalled provision – golf and sailing. The Valencian region has more than twenty golf courses carrying the signatures of the best designers and champions. When one adds beautiful surroundings and a year-long enjoyable climate it is not difficult to understand why so many want to play at courses, such as, the Golf Club of Saler where the prestigious Seve Trophy was played in 2003. Valencia has long been recognised as having one of the most prestigious locations for regattas with superb sailing conditions and excellent ports. Its status was confirmed by being chosen to host the America´s Cup in 2007. But enthusiasts can enjoy it right now. Of course, other sports are catered for. In the country parks there are facilities for walking, cycling, climbing, bird watching and all country activities. The region of Valencia is one of the most ideally suited locations in Europe to enjoy travelling and leisure. And it is still developing. Projects such as the Terra Mitica in Benidorm and the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia are at the cutting edge of good design. Getting there and about Good facilities make access easy, to and around, the region of Valencia. There are two international airports, at Valencia and Alicante. The three passenger ports are at Valencia, Denia and Alicante. The Mediterranean Motorway(AP7) links the region to Barcelona and then to Europe. And there are road connections to the rest of Spain – Valencia – Madrid(A3), Valencia-Zaragoza(A23), Alicante-Madrid(A31). The regional rail network does the same for those who prefer the train. Sources: www. comunitatvalencia.com encarta