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Valencia
„Valencia, the city of nuances, architecturally vibrat and alive with tradition.
Valencia, the city of light, bathed by the sun in a sea of stars.
Valencia, the city of colour, mixing cultures, creating a tapestry of contrasts.
Valencia, the city of fiestas, the city of spactales, open to the world
Valencia, the city of cities."
Basic facts
Population: 800,666
Area: 134.65 km2
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 220 Volts (V)
Location: Valencia stands on the banks of the Turia River, located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, fronting the Gulf of Valencia
Public Transportation
Valencia is a relatively small city. However, if you are only visiting for a short period, public transport could be a convenient tool for seeing much of the city in a limited time.
Most of Valencia's monuments and important buildings are in the historic quarter, meaning that you can get about on foot if you wish. Another way to get to anywhere in the city is using the public transport system, which will take you to all the places of interest.
The metro system runs from 5.30 am to midnight, and station entrances are marked with the letter 'M'. Line no. 4 covers the main streets of the centre, the port and the popular beach of La Malvarrosa.You can also use the city bus system. These run from 4.30 am to 10.30 pm (approx. – timetables vary according to the route). In summer there are extra services to the beach. To get around by night there are night buses which depart from the Town Hall square. They can be identified by an 'N' in front of their number, and run every day between 10:30 pm and 2 am (on Fridays and the eve of public holidays, until 3:30 am).
However, many people prefer the convenience of taxis when travelling by night. They run all day, and are white with the city shield and their license number on the side. You can hail them in the street when the green light is on. Otherwise there are taxi ranks, or you can order them by phone using the radio taxi service. Rates are visible inside the cars, with the total price displayed on a meter, and include charges for flag-down, kilometres travelled and other special extras such as night service, public holidays, and train or airport services.
History
Valencia was founded in the year 138 B.C by the Romans, who established their Forum in the Plaza de la Almoina, under which lies today a museum of Roman ruins. After the Romans, the Visigoths arrived in Valencia but in 714, the Muslims established control of the city, a situation that lasted until 1238 when King Jaime I of Valencia ousted them. The Arabs left a profound legacy with their irrigation systems, recipes and artistic influences that are relevant and noticeable right up to the present day.
Valencia Highlights