History and Origins of Valencia
Valencia was founded on the shores of the Mediterranean as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The Romans named it “Valentia”, meaning courage or strength, due to the resistance to conquest shown by the Iberian people who inhabited it. However, this meaning has little to do with the affectionate nickname given to it by its natives: ‘La Terreta’, which is the diminutive of land in Valencian (terra). Telling someone that you are from ‘La Terreta’ is the way Valencians recognise their origins and reflect the pride they feel for their city and its traditions.
Valencia has a long history behind it. Over the centuries, the city has welcomed different peoples and cultures that have shaped the city it is today, giving it its own culture and way of understanding life on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Historical heritage of the city
Strolling through Valencia is like discovering a thousand years of history reflected in its streets, squares and monuments. Visigoths, Muslims and Christians have all left their mark on the historic centre of the city, known as Ciutat Vella (the old city).
Landmark monuments
Here we find some of the city’s architectural gems, such as its cathedral, where according to tradition the Holy Grail is kept, and the Miguelete Tower, which can be climbed via a narrow spiral staircase offering the best reward: a 360º panoramic view of the entire city.
Commercial splendor
The commercial splendor of 15th-century medieval Valencia is evident in the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its architectural value and its symbolism of the Mediterranean’s commercial power. The Silk Exchange is located opposite the city’s Central Market, a building of iron, glass, and ceramics that is a prime example of Valencian Modernism and a must-see for tourists visiting the city. The Central Market houses nearly 400 stalls selling top-quality, locally sourced fresh produce and is one of the largest markets in Europe.
Historic Neighborhoods
Within the historic center lies the oldest neighborhood in the city, El Carmen. Exploring it is to immerse yourself in an atmosphere where the old and the new coexist harmoniously, amidst urban art murals, charming cafes, and historic palaces.
Ruzafa Neighborhood
Visiting the first neighborhood is to delve into the bohemian and creative heart of the city. Ruzafa, known as the “Valencian Soho” or the hipster neighborhood, is the epicenter of avant-garde art and international gastronomy in the city.
El Cabañal Neighborhood
Exploring the second neighborhood is to discover Valencia’s old fishing quarter, now one of the city’s most dynamic and distinctive districts. El Cabañal is known for its houses in a popular modernist style, with facades covered in colorful Valencian tiles and ceramics.
Valencia today: tradition and modernity
Today, Valencia is a city that embodies the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. With over 800,000 inhabitants, it has become the third largest city in Spain and an essential destination for those seeking quality of life, sunshine, and culture.
City of Arts and Sciences
The greatest symbol of Valencian modernity is the City of Arts and Sciences.
Comprising six buildings of great architectural and cultural value, this complex has become a global icon and one of Spain’s most important tourist destinations.
Furthermore, the City of Arts and Sciences is the start and finish line of the Valencia Marathon, established as one of the best races in the world. For the city, the marathon is much more than a race; it is the event that has solidified its identity as the “City of Running” worldwide.
Green Spaces: Turia Gardens
Another defining feature of the city is the Turia Gardens, a vast urban park that occupies the former riverbed of the Turia River, stretching across the city from one end to the other. This green space, over 9 kilometers long, is where Valencians play sports or simply enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
Beaches and the Mediterranean
All this without forgetting that Valencia is a city on the shores of the Mediterranean. The city boasts urban beaches with fine sand and calm waters, bordered by a wide promenade that offers a diverse range of restaurants and hotels.
Gastronomy and traditions
And speaking of gastronomy, Valencia also captivates with its cuisine. The Mediterranean diet, renowned worldwide for its health benefits, is its cornerstone. Based on fresh produce, fruits, vegetables from its fertile lands, fish, and olive oil, Valencia is a city where food is enjoyed, including the world-famous Paella.
No one doubts that Valencia is a vibrant city, especially when you consider its unique way of celebrating: Fallas. Every March, the city transforms to host some 800 monuments created by artists in their workshops, destined to be burned at the end of the festivities. Tradition, costumes, art, music, fire, and gunpowder… Fallas is an explosion of light and color, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Nightlife, Culture, and Leisure
Throughout the year, Valencia boasts a vibrant nightlife, with bars, terraces, and nightclubs to suit all tastes. From venues with live music to alternative spaces, the city caters to the nightlife of university students and the afternoon revelry of those who were students years ago. For culture lovers, Valencia offers museums such as the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art), the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Palau de la Música, in addition to a wide range of theater and festival programs throughout the year.
Valencia: A Unique Place to Live
In recent decades, Valencia has undergone remarkable modernization and has established itself as a global city, welcoming a diverse international community. Many digital nomads choose Valencia for its quality of life, its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European cities, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The technology and innovation sector has grown, with coworking spaces and startups attracting talent from around the world.
We can say that the cost of living in Valencia is reasonable, allowing you to enjoy a good home without the exorbitant prices of other major Spanish and European cities. Valencia offers a variety of accommodation options: modern urban apartments, stately homes in historic neighborhoods, and villas in residential areas very close to the city. At Winnor, we can help you find the perfect option to suit your needs.
With its Mediterranean climate, welcoming people, and vibrant urban life, Valencia is a unique place to live. Would you like to explore it? Let us help you find the perfect home in Valencia. Contact us.
