Valencia

Valencia

Stylish and friendly Valencia is together with Barcelona the most important city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. While the original founding goes back to Roman times, it was the Moors who arrived in 709 AD and made Valencia prosper, thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver work. After Almanzor's death, the area was conquered by the legendary "El Cid" during the Christian re-conquest of Spain. Not much is left from the Roman period, but the architectural legacy of the Moors is abundant and can be seen in the remains of the old walls, the Almirante bath house and the tower, el Miguelete, which was the minaret of the old mosque.

Activities

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas - This baroque palace is on the Calle del Poeta Querol. Extensively rebuilt during the 18th-century, it is fronted by an extravagant façade, hand carved in alabaster. Torres de Serranos - This well-preserved 14th-century tower was part of the original walls that surrounded the old city. Beaches - The main city beach is Playa de la Malvarrosa. It is not the most pristine beach in Spain and is lined with restaurants, bars and discos. About 5 miles south of the city is Playa El Salér, which is backed by attractive public gardens.

Shopping

Some of the best shopping can be found along Pio XII Avenue or at Galeria Comercial. Regional handicrafts, including ceramics, footwear, shawls and fans may be of interest. Also, look for Lladro porcelain.

Food

Rice is the cornerstone of Valencian cuisine and the basis for the most famous local dish, paella Valenciana. Paella appears on almost every restaurant menu. There are many variations which include chicken, pork and seafood. Eating establishments abound throughout the city, ranging from “tapas” bars to elegant restaurants. The local drink, horchata, is made from pressed tiger nuts which has a milky appearance and is an acquired taste.

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Spain.

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