Valencia

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona, with a population of around 800,000 people in the city proper and more than 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. It is located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, fronting the Gulf of Valencia.

History

Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The city is rich in history, with its most productive historical period being the Middle Ages. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia became one of the major economic powers on the Mediterranean Sea due to its location and the booming silk trade.

Geography

Valencia is located on the banks of the Turia River, which runs through the city before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic structures including a planetarium, an opera house, and a marine park.

Economy

The economy of Valencia, as a major Spanish city, is broadly diversified. The service sector dominates, but the city also has significant industrial activity, being a center for industries such as metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and brewing.

Culture

Valencia is known for its gastronomic culture. The most famous dish, paella, originated in Valencia. The city is also famous for its Fallas festival in March, its Valencian Gothic architecture, and its football club, Valencia CF.

Education

Valencia is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Valencia, which is one of the oldest surviving universities in Spain, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Transport

Valencia has a high-capacity metropolitan rail service (Metrovalencia), a network of bus routes (EMT Valencia), and an extensive system of bike paths and cycle lanes.

See also

• History of Valencia
• Economy of Valencia
• Culture of Valencia
• Education in Valencia
• Transport in Valencia

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