| Valencia is the capital of the region of the same name
on the east coast of central Spain. It's the country's third biggest
city and although it boasts many great historic, cultural and modern
visitor attractions this is one of the least tourist-orientated cities
to be found in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. The historic heart
of Valencia is very beautiful and still very Spanish, almost untouched
by mass tourism. This is the home of paella, one of the most spectacular
fiestas in Spain . The City of Valencia, since its beginnings, has
been a Mediterranean backbone, and has played an important part in its
history. From the foundation of the Roman Valentia to the Valencia of
the present day, this city has always been, and continues to be an important
city in the cultural and economic realms, and cannot be overlooked when
referring to European culture. Built upon a marshland stretching from
the delta of the Xuquer river to that of the Turia river, Valencia has
on it the mark of various civilisations that have passed through it.
Founded by the Romans in the year 138 bc. and subsequently invaded
by the "Visigodos" King, and later by the Muslims, who made the city
into a splendid economic and cultural centre, Valencia was "freed" from
the Muslims by "El Cid", although it wasn't until 1238, when James the
First of the Aragon kingdom conquered once and for all, that the Kingdom
of Valencia was formed, and incorporated into the Kingdom of Aragon.
Valencia was henceforth transformed into capital of the confederation,
with its culture, commercial activity, and legal establishments with
independent legislation, and became one of the most important economies
of the Mediterranean in the 14th and 15th centuries. This period coincided
with Valencia's "Golden age" out of which came names such as "Joanot
Martorell" author of the first modern European novel (Tirant lo Blanc),
and Ausias March.
|
