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Valencia

Valencia, a city of cultural and commercial prestige is situated halfway down the Eastern coast of Spain. It is considered to be one of the principle cities of the Mediterranean, and is the third most important city in Spain.

Its population is 800,000 inhabitants or 1,500,000 if we add to that the population of the surrounding suburbs and towns. A modern communications network makes Valencia easily accessible, and links Valencia to other important Spanish and European cities through its Port, Motorway links, Airport and Railway network.

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.

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. Valencia 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.

The extraordinarily appealing climate (the average annual temperature being 16.7º C) includes mild winters and warm summers to be enjoyed on the regions sunny white-sanded beaches, which stretch out from the City of Valencia itself along the Valencian coastline, making it popular among tourists.

The first word that comes to mind when talking about Valencian gastronomy is RICE, which can be cooked in more ways that imaginable! What can we tell you that you don't know about Paella? This Valencian dish is known and loved all over the world, and has even become a national symbol. Although its popularity has reached into national and international kitchens, we can promise you that only here in Valencia will you taste the authentic paella made in the traditional way.

We mustn't forget to mention other rice temptations such as the marine "Arroz de Mariscos" (made with sea fruits), the dark "Arroz Negro" made with squid and it's ink, the tasty "Arroz a banda" whose name was given to it due to the fact that the rice is separated from the fish after, the wintry "Arroz Caldoso", good old "Arroz al Horno" (Oven cooked rice) whose stock could be made up of multiple tastes such as those derived from black pudding, tomato, potato, pork amongst other possible ingredients... Other traditional dishes include "fideua" which substitutes rice for fine macaroni-like pasta cooked in seafood stock or "all i pebre" made from eels from the "Albufera" freshwater lake.

How could we not mention the high quality of Valencian fruits especially of its oranges with are of unparalleled quality Valencia you will find and extensive range of sweets, the star being "arnadí" (sweet made from pumpkin), sweet potato pies, sweet bread, aniseed shortbread, and the famous horchata with "fartons", a type of sponge which is dipped into the drink. Last but not least you are advised to order "Agua de Valencia"(Valencian Water), a very agreeable cocktail made from freshly squeezed orange juice and Cava.

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