Valencia is Spain’s third city in importance and population, after Madrid and Barcelona. Capital of the Valencian Community, which  also has its own language: Valencian.

The city, situated on the River Turia and bordering the Mediterranean,  was founded by the Romans in 138 a. C. as Valentia, and became an important trading center. Subsequently, with the arrival of the Muslims it became a an area of orchards, fields and gardens with infrastructure created to facilitate irrigation. Valencia‘s history is reflected in its buildings with a centuries-old legacy of the different cultures that have passed through. There is the Cathedral of Valencia (which houses the Holy Grail), the Silk Exchange, and the Towers of Serranos and Towers of Quart, which are remnants of the ancient city wall.

The ity is also synonymous with art, epitomized by  the construction of the City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencia is also known as the City of Flowers due to the large number of natural areas including the Albufera Nature Park , the Botanical Garden and the Turia Gardens, Europe’s largest urban garden.

In terms of gastronomy, Valencia also has a prominent place worldwide. Their signature dish, paella, is followed closely by black rice,and fideuá. And for drinks, Valencia is famous as the birthplace of the beverage Agua de Valencia, a champagne and orange juice cocktail .

And, of course, Valencia is always associated with its most incredible fiesta: Las Fallas, where spectacular sculptures are set fire and thousands of fireworks are exploded.