Valencia (city)

Valencia (city)
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	792,492
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto

Valencia (city). Valencia is the capital of the Valencian Community and the Province of Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain. Situated along the Turia River and the Gulf of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea, it is Spain's third-largest municipality. The city is renowned for its historic architecture, including the Valencia Cathedral and the City of Arts and Sciences, and is the birthplace of the traditional dish paella.

History

Founded as a Roman colony named *Valentia* in 138 BC, the city was later ruled by the Visigoths before becoming a major center under the Umayyad Caliphate of Al-Andalus. It was conquered by James I of Aragon in 1238, becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. The 15th century marked a golden age of prosperity, with the establishment of the Taula de canvis, one of Europe's first public banks. The city's fortunes declined after the Expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 but revived in the 19th century with industrialization. Key modern events include its role as the seat of the Second Spanish Republic government during the Spanish Civil War and catastrophic flooding from the Turia (river) in 1957, which led to the river's diversion.

Geography

Valencia lies on the Gulf of Valencia within the Huerta de Valencia, a fertile floodplain. The city's historic center is located on the north bank of the now-diverted Turia (river), whose former riverbed is now the Turia Garden. The municipality includes a stretch of coastline featuring the beaches of Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas, as well as the Albufera lagoon and natural park to the south. The city's terrain is predominantly flat, part of the wider Valencian Coastal Plain.

Demographics

With a population of 792,492 as of 2023, it is the third most populous city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The metropolitan area, encompassing municipalities like Mislata and Paterna, exceeds 1.5 million inhabitants. Historically a destination for internal migration, particularly from Andalusia and Murcia in the mid-20th century, Valencia has more recently seen significant immigration from countries such as Colombia, Romania, and Italy. The primary language is Spanish, with Valencian also holding official status.

Economy

The city's economy is diversified, with a strong services sector centered on commerce, tourism, and finance. Valenciaport, operated by the Port Authority of Valencia, is one of the busiest container ports in the Mediterranean Sea and a critical logistics hub. The city hosts major international trade fairs at the Feria Valencia exhibition center. Important industries include automotive manufacturing, with the Ford Valencia Body and Assembly plant, and agribusiness, linked to the surrounding agricultural region. The Valencia Metro and Valencia Airport provide key transportation infrastructure.

Culture

Valencia is famous for its festivals, most notably Las Fallas, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event involving elaborate monuments and pyrotechnics. The city is the reputed home of the Holy Grail, housed in the Valencia Cathedral. Major cultural institutions include the IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern), the Palau de la Música de València, and the Museu de Belles Arts de València. The modernist Central Market of Valencia and the Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are architectural landmarks. The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a prominent modern complex.

Government and politics

Valencia is governed by the Ajuntament de València (City Council), headed by Mayor María José Catalá of the People's Party. The city is the seat of the Generalitat Valenciana, the government of the Valencian Community, and the Corts Valencianes, its legislative assembly. It is divided into 19 administrative districts, including Ciutat Vella and L'Eixample. Valencia hosts several consulates and is a member of international networks like Eurocities.

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