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Madrid
Area504.782 km²
(12x the Netherlands)
UTC +1
LanguageSpanish
Highest pointMulhacén - 3,478 m
The flag of Spain consists of two red stripes and a yellow stripe containing the coat of arms. The current flag was adopted on December 19, 1981. The colors were selected in 1785 by King Charles III because they were clearly different from the color of the flags of other European states (mainly white).
The euro was introduced simultaneously in 12 European countries, as well as in Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City on 1 January 2002. This was the largest monetary exchange operation of all time. On the front of the note is a gate or window and a bridge on the back. These are all fictional. The euro replaces the peseta which was used between 1869 and 2002.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and lies
at the Mediterranean coast and the River Turia. It is the birthplace of Paella.
Valentia was founded in 138 BC by the Romans. In 50 AD a circus, the forum
and the Torres de Serranos were built. In the 4th century, the Visigoths and later the
Byzantines followed.
In 711 the city was conquered by the Moors who named it Balansiya. In 1093,
the city was conquered by Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (El Cid) who converted the mosques into churches.
The Almoravids followed in 1102 and were driven out finally in 1238.
During the Spanish Civil War, in november 1936, Valencia became the capital of the Republican Spanish Empire.
At the beginning of 1937 and on May the 28th Italian bombers dropped tons of bombs. During Franco rule there was
a very strict censorship until his death in 1975. In 1957 river Turia overflowed
causing up to two meters of water in the city. The river was diverted after this disaster. The old riverbed is now Turia park.
La Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange, was built during Valencia's golden age (between 1482 and 1548).
In 1996 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Transactions were handled in the main hall and
next to it, the maritime tribunal met. The first merchants tribunal in Spain. The Square Tower
served as a prison. When visiting, pay particular attention to the special ornaments and the ceiling of
the hall on the first floor.
The Cathedral was built between 1262 and 1356 and is consecrated
to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Before the
Reconquista it was a mosque. It has a museum with many art treasures, including several
paintings by Francisco Goya and repository of a holy grail. this chalice,
which fell to pieces in 1785 and was subsequently restored, has been in Valencia since the 15th century.
The estación del Norte, built in 1917, is well worth a visit. The old counters and tile work
are a feast for the eyes. It is built in Valencian Art Nouveau style. The metalband Within Temptation
performed here in 2005.
The church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir was founded in the 13th century. It has six
chapels between the buttresses and polygonal apse. The church was renovated in Gothic style in the
15th century and contains a rose window that refers to a miracle of Saint Nicholas. The whole church
is elaborately decorated with frescoes. The entrance is on Calle los
Caballeros. The church is closed on Mondays.
Other tips for visiting the city: A Tapas and wine tour: A tour through the old town
followed by a tasting of fantastic wines and tapas. To experience Flamenco you have to go to La Buleria in the Barrio Russafa. Delicious
food and a great show, book in advance. This Barrio is also a great place to be in the evenings on weekends. On just about every
intersection there are terraces. The zoo is also worth a visit because of the environment they have created for the animals
with waterfalls, trees and rocks. This 'Bioparc' is located on the north side of the old river bed of the Turia. At the other
side of the river bed of the Turia, which is now a park where you can enjoy cycling or walking, is the Ciudad de las
Artes y las Ciencias, a modern complex with beautiful hiking trails, several museums and an Imax theater. Just to the South of the science park
, the aquarium is located. Mercado Central houses the market with mostly local products and you should definitely visit. Open from Monday to
Saturday from eight o'clock to three o'clock. There are also many beautiful facades in the city, including the most beautiful one: Museo Marques
the Dos Aguas. Valencia also has a huge beach and a promenade with many restaurants. When you visit the city at the end of March you can
you can also witness Las Fallas, a big party with the most beautiful
floats and walking groups, bands, fireworks etc.