The
Spanish Mediterranean CostasBefore buying your Spanish
property its worth learning a little about the area where you intend to invest.
There are many web sites offering information
on Spain its customs, lifestyle etc., here however, we are presenting a brief
description of the more popular regions for purchase of residential or holiday
property. Therefore, we suggest before visiting Spain with the intentions of buying
your dream villa or apartment read a little about the area and the principle towns.
Remember location is a very important factor when purchasing property. The
Coastal Regions - Valencian CommunityThe region
of Valencia is located on the east of Spain and is well known for it's ceramics,
fans and wicker-work. The Valencian coast consists of many beautiful resorts with
golden beaches and towns full of history. Inland, the soil is fertile and the
region has adopted the nickname 'the bread-basket of Spain'. Valencia is a region
rich in history and its popular coastal resorts make an excellent holiday destination. The
area is served by Valencia airport and to the south, Alicante airport.
The
capital of the region of Valencia is Valencia city. Valencia
is well connected within the road network, namely by the N340 to Barcelona and
Alicante, the NIII to Castille La Mancha and Madrid and the A7 motorway which
links Valencia to the European network. Valencia enjoys
a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It is well
known for it's orange groves and tourists flock to it's two main beaches. Valencia
is also one of Spain's most densely populated cities. As you enter the city of
Valencia, the roads become somewhat confusing and can be hard work. Once in the
city, expect to spend time in traffic and parking is very difficult.
To see
the historical centre of Valencia you would do well to make your way to the Plaza
de la Virgen. This is the heart of old Valencia and once the location for the
Roman Forum. This area was once surrounded like an island by the tributaries of
the River Turia. This is now illustrated by the fountain in the square which consists
of a central figure representing the river, surrounded by seven maidens, representing
the tributaries. Today the square is a popular resting place and is constantly
full of life. Around this square you will find many important buildings such as
the Cathedral, the Basilica and the Palacio de la Generalitat. The
Cathedral stands on ground once occupied by a Muslim Mosque and an earlier church.
The current building is of Gothic-Cistercian design and dates from 1262. It wasn't
actually completed until the 18th century. This is illustrated by the many differing
designs incorporated. There is an imposing tower which can be climbed using the
200 steps. You will be rewarded at the top with spectacular panoramic views of
the city. Purchase a ticket inside the Cathedral (costs approx. 1.50€). You
can also purchase books and city guides inside the Cathedral. Next
to the Cathedral you will find the Basilica de la Virgen, a temple dedicated to
the Valencian Patroness. At the altar you will find a beautiful Gothic statue.
The Basilica was built between 1652 and 1667 following a style that is considered
Prebaroque. The building is of oval shape with a beautiful painted dome. It is
not of great proportions and the building often struggles to cope with the number
of worshipers. The City's patron is celebrated on the second Sunday in May when
the statue is carried to the Cathedral and back. In a noisy and emotional ceremony,
the statue is passed person to person without touching the ground. The evening
procession is accompanied by rose petals thrown from the balconies and huge floral
displays being built. The Torres de Quart is the work of
Pere Bonfill and dates from 1444. The walls are pitted with holes caused by French
shelling during the War of Independence. The building receives its name because
it was once the gateway to Quart de Poblet, an old settlement on the Valencian
plains. The towers once formed part of the old city walls, destroyed in 1865 to
allow the city to expand. There is another tower in Valencia,
called the Torres de Serranos, a massive and bold construction opened in 1400
and still standing strong to this day.
Another area of the city worthy of exploration
is the market district. Here you will find the Lonja. This ancient building was
constructed as the market or exchange for silks and other merchants. The building
has been described as one of the best civil Gothic buildings in Europe, a fact
recognised by UNESCO who declared the Lonja 'Heritage of Humanity', the only building
in Valencia to enjoy this title.
If you have time to explore the Lonja you
will be rewarded with fantastic architecture, a wonderful plaza and some of the
finest ceilings in Spain.
In the same area you will find the Central Market.
Up until 1928 the market was held in the streets. This ceased when the new building
was completed. Having a surface area of more than 8,000 square metres, it is one
of the largest in Europe. It houses thousands of stalls. All in all, Valencia
is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of plazas and gardens in which to rest,
a wide variety of historical buildings to explore, dotted around the city and
blending in with the modern constructions and the added bonus of a thriving port,
marina and long beaches. One of the busiest areas of the
city is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the new vital centre of the city. Here you
will find the main post office and the City Council building. Not far from here
you will find the North Station, built in 1906, arriving here by train you will
find yourself in the heart of the central historical centre. Next to the station
is the Plaza de Toros (Bullring). One of the largest and most beautiful in Spain.
Seating over 16,000 people it was constructed in 1850. The old riverbed through
the city has been drained and now houses various sports installations and parks.
When it comes to festivals, Valencia's calendar is full. Much of the city's festivities
are marked by huge firework displays for which the city is famous. The most important
celebration is that of the Fallas which lasts a whole week from the 15th-19th
March. It coincides with the beginning of spring and throws Valencia into an eplosion
of noise and colour. More than 300 huge Fallas (works of art) are erected around
the city. Each is a symbol of malicious criticism and sarcasm. The climax is on
March 19th when the Fallas are burned at midnight. Easter week (Semana Santa)
is also celebrated in fine style in Valencia, especially around the fishing centre. Valencia
also offers a cultural experience never forgotten. There are ample theatres, cinemas,
dance halls and entertainment venues. The nightlife pulsates until the early hours
of the morning. There are venues to suit every age and taste. The
coast of Valencia
It may be said that the Valencian coast consists of just
one long beach, interrupted only by a few small cliffs at Cullera. Of the 14 municipalities
of Valencia, only four have a coastal strip. In the north you find El Camp de
Morvedre with its capital Sagunto. The 57,000 inhabitants are spread between the
port area and the old city. The famous castle looks over the old city on a hill,
one kilometre long. Sagunto has a Roman theatre dating from the 2nd century, the
first such monument to receive official protection. The upper part of the town
is very picturesque and should be visited on foot. Explore the narrow streets
in the Jewish Quarter. There are also several important monasteries and churches
worthy of a visit. Along the south coast is La Ribera Baja, an area dominated
by its capital, Sueca. Described as the 'Rice Town' it lies on a huge plain. Its
coastal area is a booming tourist centre. The wide Bahia de los Naranjos (Orange
Grove Bay) is one of the most attractive areas along the whole coast. The population
swells to over 100,000 during the summer. The district of Oliva marks the boundary
of the region in the south. It has a magnificent beach and a great deal of history
to explore.
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