Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler - Fall '19

Valencia City

Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler

V alencia is located on Spain’s eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, right in the center of the Gulf of Valencia. It is situated on the shores of the Mediter- ranean, a stretch of water which has gradually forged the city’s character over the centuries. Valencia’s geo- graphical location makes it an excel- lent operational base from which to explore the rest of Spain. At just an hour and a half from Madrid by high- speed train, three hours from Barce- lona by car, and with daily departures to the Balearic Islands, the capital of the Valencian Community is well worth a visit. Here are a few highlights: The expansion of Islam in the Medi- terranean was responsible for the introduction of silk into the Iberian Peninsula in the 13th century. Soon business involving this material become the main economic activity in the city, resulting in high levels of trade, which led to the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) being built in 1483. This centerpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most important civil Gothic building in the city. Silk City

La Lonja Silk Exchange

Image courtesy of Valencia Tourism

The Holy Chalice of Valencia arouses feelings of admiration and scepticism at the same time. The visitor feels captivated by the beauty of the Grail, its perfect and exceptional shape, the details in gold, the pearls and the precious gems.

street art museums to celebrate the arrival of spring. Around 800 monu- ments made of wood, cartón piedra (literally “stone cardboard”, similar to paper mache) and other materials fill the streets. Music, gunpowder and traditional clothing are all essential ingredients, making the Fallas a unique festival. In fact, its creative values and practical rituals have re- sulted in the festival being declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Holy Chalice

Since 1916, the Chapel of the Santo Caliz within the Valencia Cathedral has carefully safegarded one of the most revered and prized relics within the Catholic Church: the Holy Grail. Two Popes have corroborated its authenticity have made use of it in two masses. This venerated artifact can be viewed through a glass case in which it is housed. Take a look for yourself during your trip to Valencia.

The Fallas

For several weeks in March (1-19), this festival converts the towns of the Valencian Community into momentary

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