Valencia

Valencia
source
Name	Valencia
Settlement type	Municipality
Coordinates	39, 28, 12, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Spain
Subdivision type1	Autonomous community
Subdivision name1	Valencian Community
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Valencia
Established title	Founded
Established date	138 BC
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	María José Catalá
Area total km2	134.65
Elevation m	15
Population total	807,693
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto

Valencia. Located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula at the mouth of the Turia River, it is the capital of both the Province of Valencia and the wider Valencian Community. As Spain's third-largest city, it is a major cultural and economic hub, renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant festivals like Las Fallas, and as the birthplace of paella.

History

The city was founded as a Roman colony named *Valentia* in 138 BC by the consul Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus, later suffering destruction during the Sertorian War. After periods of Visigothic rule, it was conquered by Moorish forces in 714 AD, becoming part of the Caliphate of Córdoba and later the Taifa of Valencia. The Christian reconquest was completed by King James I of Aragon in 1238, who established the Kingdom of Valencia with its own legal code, the Furs of Valencia. The 15th century marked a golden age of prosperity, with the establishment of the Llotja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Subsequent centuries saw involvement in conflicts like the Germanías revolt and the War of the Spanish Succession, after which the local privileges or *Furs* were abolished by the Nueva Planta decrees of Philip V. The 20th century brought significant growth and political turmoil, including intense bombing during the Spanish Civil War, when the city served as the seat of the Republican government.

Geography

Situated on the Gulf of Valencia along the Mediterranean Sea, the city's core lies on the floodplain of the now-diverted Turia River, whose former course is now the extensive Jardín del Turia park. The municipality includes a portion of the Albufera lagoon, a vital freshwater wetland and natural park located south of the urban area. The city's climate is classified as Mediterranean, featuring mild winters and hot, humid summers, with the surrounding Huerta de Valencia being a fertile agricultural plain historically irrigated by a complex network of canals originating from the Turia.

Demographics

With an official population of over 800,000 within the city limits and approximately 1.6 million in the metropolitan area, it is the most populous city in the Valencian Community. The population has grown significantly through both internal migration and international immigration, with large communities from Latin America, North Africa, and other parts of Europe. The city is officially bilingual; both Spanish and Valencian, the local name for the Catalan language, are co-official languages used in administration, education, and media.

Economy

Traditionally based on agriculture and industry, the economy has diversified into advanced services, commerce, and tourism. The city port, known as the Port of Valencia, is one of the busiest container ports on the Mediterranean and in Europe, a key node in trade with Asia and the Americas. Major industrial and technological activities are concentrated in the Parc Científic de la Universitat de València and the Valencia Bioparc area. The city is also a major venue for international trade fairs at the Feria de Valencia and hosts major sporting events, having been the host of the 32nd America's Cup and the European Grand Prix at the Circuit de Valencia.

Culture

The city is globally famous for Las Fallas, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival featuring monumental satirical sculptures that are burned in a spectacular climax. It is considered the birthplace of paella, a globally recognized rice dish originating from the surrounding Huerta de Valencia. Major cultural institutions include the City of Arts and Sciences, a modern architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, and the IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern). The historic center contains landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral, which purportedly houses the Holy Chalice, and the medieval Torres de Serranos.

Government and politics

The city is governed by the Ajuntament de València (City Council), headed by a mayor. Since the restoration of democracy, political power has alternated between the People's Party and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, with the current mayor being María José Catalá of the PP. The city is the seat of the Generalitat Valenciana, the autonomous government of the Valencian Community, and the Corts Valencianes, its regional legislature. It is divided into numerous administrative districts, and its metropolitan area is coordinated by entities like the Area Metropolitana de València.

Category:Valencia Category:Municipalities in the Province of Valencia Category:Capitals of autonomous communities of Spain