Valencia (Spain)

Valencia (Spain)
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Name	Valencia
Native name	València
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Valencian Community
Province	Valencia
Founded	138 BC
Population	800,000
Area km2	134.65
Mayor	Joan Ribó

Valencia (Spain) is a major Mediterranean port city on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, capital of the Valencian Community and the Province of Valencia. Founded as a Roman colony, the city has been a maritime hub for trade, culture, and innovation through periods linked to the Visigothic Kingdom, the Taifa of Valencia, the Crown of Aragon, and modern Spain. Valencia combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Modernist urban fabric with contemporary institutions and events that attract international tourism, commerce, and scholarship.

History

Valencia's origins as Valentia tie it to the Roman Republic and the establishment of colonies in Hispania following the Second Punic War; subsequent periods involved the Visigothic Kingdom and the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula which brought integration into the Caliphate of Córdoba. The fragmentation of Al-Andalus introduced the Taifa of Valencia, later reconquered during the Reconquista under James I of Aragon who incorporated the city into the Crown of Aragon. Valencia prospered in the Late Middle Ages with institutions like the Llotja de la Seda and guilds linked to Mediterranean commerce and conflicts like the Catalan Company expeditions. Early modern upheavals included involvement in the War of the Spanish Succession, the impact of the Spanish Golden Age, and 19th-century events such as the Peninsular War and industrialization tied to the Spanish railway network. 20th-century history saw the city's role in the Second Spanish Republic, the Spanish Civil War and reconstruction during the Francoist Spain era, followed by growth after the Spanish transition to democracy and events such as the 2007 Valencia Metro accident and the 2007 America's Cup influence on urban redevelopment.

Geography and Climate

Valencia sits on the Turia River's former course at the Albufera Natural Park lagoon, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by the Sierra Calderona and Sierra de Espadán ranges. The municipality includes the Port of Valencia and the Malvarrosa Beach coastline, with hydrology shaped by irrigation infrastructure from historic rights like the Tribunal de les Aguas. Climate is Mediterranean, influenced by the North Atlantic Oscillation and local sea breezes; typical patterns involve hot summers and mild winters, with occasional storms linked to the Mediterranean cyclones and episodes like the Floods of Valencia requiring hydraulic engineering projects such as the Turia Gardens diversion.

Government and Administration

Valencia is the seat of the Valencian Government and hosts the Corts Valencianes (regional parliament) and the Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana. Municipal administration operates from the Ajuntament de València under electoral frameworks established by the Statute of Autonomy of the Valencian Community. Judicial matters are served by the Audiencia Provincial de Valencia and branches of national institutions like the National Police Corps (Spain), while coordination with the European Union occurs via regional representation in institutions linked to the Committee of the Regions.

Economy and Infrastructure

Valencia's economy centers on the Port of Valencia, logistics hubs connected to the Trans-European Transport Network and the Mediterranean Corridor, and sectors including agri-food exports tied to the Valencian orange industry and names like Mercadona. The city hosts the Feria Valencia trade fair and companies in biotechnology linked to entities such as the Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular. Tourism driven by events like Las Fallas and venues such as the City of Arts and Sciences complements manufacturing in textiles and ceramics historically associated with the Albufera rice production region. Transport infrastructure includes Valencia Airport, the Valencia Metro, high-speed rail on the Madrid–Levante high-speed rail network, and the Port Authority of Valencia freight terminals. Financial services operate under Spanish banking institutions with regional ties to groups like Bankia and international trade facilitated through links with the Port of Barcelona and Port of Algeciras.

Demographics and Culture

Valencia's population reflects migration from Andalusia, Murcia, and international communities from North Africa, Latin America, and the European Union, producing linguistic dynamics between Valencian language and Spanish language. Cultural life includes festivals such as Las Fallas, musical institutions like the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, and sports represented by clubs like Valencia CF and Levante UD. Museums and theaters include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia, the IVAM, and the Teatro Principal de Valencia, while annual events link to institutions such as the UNESCO World Heritage framework for sites like the Llotja de la Seda.

Landmarks and Architecture

Architectural highlights range from the medieval Valencia Cathedral with the Holy Chalice tradition to the Gothic La Lonja de la Seda and the Renaissance Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. The City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava and the Gulliver Park contrast with Modernisme buildings like the Estación del Norte and structures by Rafael Guastavino influences. Green spaces include the Turia Gardens and the Jardín del Túria, while coastal landmarks incorporate the Malvarrosa Beach promenade and the redevelopment around the Marina Real Juan Carlos I after the America's Cup.

Education and Research

Higher education is anchored by the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with research centers such as the Prince Felipe Research Centre and institutes affiliated to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Collaborative projects connect to the European Research Area, networks like COST, and international exchanges via programs such as Erasmus. Primary and secondary education includes historic schools tied to religious orders and modern institutions overseen by the Valencian Ministry of Education.

Category:Cities in Spain Category:Province of Valencia