Sweltering paellas, the Holy Grail, and El Cid... Valencia is all this and more. Passionate describes this Spanish city most aptly. For where else would you find works of art being blown up in a huge blaze to ear-shattering explosions? Lest you conclude that the city is a permanent war-zone let us hasten to amend that presupposition. The ritual is part of what is known as the 'Las Fallas' peasant tradition indicating the onset of spring.
This rather preferred erstwhile Roman city is also home to the most fertile land in the Mediterranean which works strongly in the region's gastronomic favor.
Moreover, its proximity to the sea ensures that it has some of the best seafood on offer. In case you weren't aware, the city of Valencia is also known as 'paella country' with more than one version to its credit. Traditionally cooked over wood fire, a typical paella consists of rice, chicken, tomatoes, sweet pepper, artichokes, green beans, saffron and olive oil. In other words, it is the Mughalai biryani of the west.
Apart from indulging your gourmet palate there's heaps you can do in Valencia. It wouldn't be incorrect to state that the city resembles a ramp of architectural wonders. Strewn with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and other show stoppers, it takes the eye and halts one's breathing. The best examples of Valencia's Romanesque architecture are found in the doorway of various churches including the Church of St. Vicente.
Walk around the city and you'll come across stunning instances of soaring Gothic architecture - the Lonja de los Mercaderes being a shining example - and architectural relics. In the district known as El Carmen, for instance, the medieval battlements Torres de Quart and the Torres de Serrano bear significant Gothic influences. Similarly, there is an impressive panoply of other influences that must be seen to be believed.
El Carmen is also a hotspot for night birds with its great music bars and eateries. For an active nightlife you may head out to the University conclave in Blasco Ibez and Aragn which are choc-a-bloc with clubs and bars. Some of these bars feature music and dancing making your gastronomic experience even livelier. Traditional Valencian music bears influences of Roman, Moorish and Iberian influences. If you are lucky, you may be in the city around the time it holds its annual music festival- the Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Msica.
While in Valencia don't forget to check out the 'hippie market' for some real bargains on designer clothes. For seafood and fresh fruits you should get into the moderniste Mercado Central, the largest covered market in Europe based on Plaza del Mercado. Its gorgeous glass and iron faade is a major attraction.
Getting around the city is not too difficult. If your stay lasts a month you might wish to look at reasonable car rentals. The city abounds with them, especially at the airport and train stations. In fact, you can hire a car almost as soon as you get off the plane. Enjoy your trip!
Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has traveled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of Ski Resort, Los Angeles Luxury Hotels and Paris Luxury Hotels.
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