Visit the Valencia region, Spain
Valencia en Español
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The Valencian region is made up of three provinces:
The region is surrounded by the Catalonia,
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 Heritage 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.
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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.
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