In
the City of Valencia The
ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to Roman
and Arabic times. World-renowned architect
Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de
les Arts i les Ciències), which contains a science museum, IMAX cinema, and oceanographic
park. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the center
of the city. The Music Palace (Palau De La Música) is another good example of
modern architecture in Valencia. Valencias
squares: The largest square is the Plaza
del Ayuntamiento, which contains the town hall (ayuntamiento), a cinema which
shows classic movies (Filmoteca), and many restaurants and bars. This is where
the noisy fireworks of the mascletà can be heard every afternoon during the Fallas.
The Plaza de la Virgen contains the Basilica of the Virgin and the Turia fountain,
and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Around the corner is the Plaza
de la Reina, with the Cathedral, orange trees, and many bars and restaurants.
The Turia river was diverted in the 1960s, and the old river bed is now the Turia
gardens, which contain a children’s playground, a fountain, and sports fields.
The Palau De La Música is adjacent to the Turia gardens and the City of Arts and
Sciences lies at one end. For more info see
Vikipedia Valencia |