DOSSIER PRENSA VLC INGLES

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CITY OF VALENCIA PRESS DOSSIER

www.turisvalencia.es

INDEX

1.

Lit up Hemisfèric.

City of Arts and Sciences.

ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS || 03. ROMAN, ARABIC AND CHRISTIAN || 05. MODERNISM || 07. VALENCIA, A CUTTING-EDGE CITY || 09. NEW PROJECTS || 11. A CITY OF DESIGN || 13. MORE THAN ART IN VALENCIA || SEASIDE VALENCIA || 15. 7 KILOMETRES OF BEACHES AND SAND || 16. MOORED IN VALENCIA || A LIFESTYLE BEYOND COMPARE || 17. UNDER THE VALENCIAN MOON || 18. RELAX IN VALENCIA || 19. MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS || 20. VALENCIAN ESSENCES || 21. A FASHIONABLE CITY || THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD || 23. CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS || 24. THE CITY OF MUSIC || 25. VALENCIA, A MEETING POINT || 27.

FULL SPEED AHEAD || 29. VALENCIA JOINS THE EQUESTRIAN CIRCUIT || 30. THE BEST RACQUETS IN THE CITY || 31. NOT TO BE MISSED IN 2009… || NATURAL SPACE || 33. A CITY OF NATURE || 35. VISITING VALENCIA WITH CHILDREN || 36. VALENCIA BY BICYCLE || FIGURES AND USEFUL INFORMATION || 37. GOING TO VALENCIA, WITHOUT GETTING LOST || 38. THE CITY IN FIGURES ||

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

ROMAN, ARABIC AND CHRISTIAN The city was founded in the year 138 B.C. by the Romans, who established the Forum in the Plaza de la Almoina, now converted into a museum. The Visigoths arrived in Valencia after the Romans but in 714, Muslim rule was established in the city in and remained until the year 1238, when King Jaime I expelled the Moors from the city. The Arabs left a very deep mark on the city, as their water networks, recipes and artistic influences remain noticeable today. The remains of the wall are living architecture from this period. The medieval heritage is even better preserved, when the economy flourished due to agriculture and maritime trade. The Cathedral, the Torres de Serrano

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Palace inside view.

and Torres de Quart, and La Lonja (Silk Exchange) –an official World Heritage site– are a few examples of this magnificent golden era which reigned in Valencia during the 14th and 15th centuries. Maritime trade and the silk trade in particular created a Renaissance of the Valencia economy, thought and arts. One highlight from this era that visitors must not miss is the Palau de la Generalitat, the palace that is the headquarters of the Valencia Regional Government. Other buildings such as the Basilica of the Virgin de los Desamparados, the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace, Plaza Redonda and the San Pio V Museum of Fine Arts date from the Baroque era and the Enlightenment.

Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace.

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3.

5.

4.

Roman, Arabic and Christian.

And also...

PLACES OF INTEREST La Almoina C/ Harina s/n.

Almudín Plaza San Luis Beltrán, s/n.

Torres de Serranos Plaza de los Fueros s/n.

3. Torres de Quart

C/ Guillem de Castro, 89 The Cathedral Plaza de la Reina s/n. www.catedraldevalencia.es

Architecture from all eras.

5. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

Plaza del Mercado s/n.

Basílica of the Virgen de los Desamparados Plaza de la Virgen s/n. www.basilicadesamparados.org

Prison of San Vicente Mártir Plaza del Arzobispo, 1 Palacio y Baños del Almirante C/ Almirante, 3

Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace Rinconada García Sanchis, s/n.

4. Plaza Redonda

C/ Pescadería – Vallanca

www.turisvalencia.es

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

MODERNISM Valencia is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest number of modernist works. Public works of modernist architecture which must be mentioned include the Estación del Norte train station, the Colón Market –restored in 2003, and converted into a leisure and cultural area– and Central Market. The

latter is the largest market in Europe, occupying an area of 8,000 square metres with almost 1,500 food stalls offering a wide range of fresh foods. In addition, the Palacio de la Exposición (Exhibition Palace) and the Tinglados (storage facilities) of the Port of Valencia are also worth a visit.

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Detail of Estación del Norte.

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2. Central Market inside view.

Modernism.

PLACES OF INTEREST Colón Market C/ Jorge Juan, 19 Central Market Plaza del Mercado s/n. www.mercadocentral.es Estación del Norte (train station) C/ Játiva, 24 Palacio de la Exposición C/ Galicia,1 www.valencia.es/palacioexposicion Balneario La Alameda C/ Amadeo de Saboya Edificio del Reloj (Clock Building) Port of Valencia Tinglados (storage facilities) Port of Valencia Casa Museo- Blasco Ibáñez C/ Isabel de Villena, s/n.

And also...

La Isla de Cuba y Casa Sánchez de León, (both located in Plaza de la Reina), Edificio Gómez (C/ de la Paz), Casa del Dragón (C/ Jorge Juan), Casa Ortega (Gran Vía Marqués del Turia, 9), Casa Chapa (Gran Vía Marqués del Turia 67), Casa Punt de Gantxo (Plaza de la Almoina, 4), Casa Ferrer (C/ Cirilo Amorós, 29), Correos (main Post Office) (Plaza del Ayuntamiento)

Architecture from all eras.

www.turisvalencia.es

PLACES OF INTEREST

Palau de la Música Paseo de la Alameda, 30 www.palaudevalencia.com IVAM C/Guillem de Castro, 118 www.ivam.es 3. MUVIM

C/ Guillem de Castro, 8. www.muvim.es 2.

1. City of Arts and Science

www.cac.es Palacio de Congresos (Conference Centre) Av. Cortes Valencianas, 60 www.palcongres-vlc.com Feria Valencia Av. de las Ferias, s/n www.feriavalencia.com And also...

Valencia Port www.valenciaport.com

The Exposición, Metro Alameda, Puente de las Flores bridges, Parque de Cabecera.

“Veles e Vents” building www.marinarealjuancarlosi.com

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

VALENCIA, A CUTTING-EDGE CITY Valencia finished the 20th century and began the third millennium with a wide offer of spaces and content in the vanguard of the arts, architecture, science and business. The internationally renowned Palau de la Música has been the city’s musical bastion since it was inaugurated in 1987. IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art) opened its doors in 1989 and is the second most important contemporary

art museum after the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid. In the 1990s, work began in the old Turia riverbed to create the Turia gardens, now the site of the impressive City of Arts and Science designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava. The Palacio de Congresos (Conference Centre) designed by Norman Foster, MUVIM (Valencian Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity), designed by Seville-born architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra and Feria Valencia are a few examples of buildings giving the city an international and futuristic projection. Of course, we must not forget the complete remodelling of the Port in preparation for the celebration of the 32nd America’s Cup. That area has now been converted into the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, presided over by the “Veles e Vents” building designed by British architect David Chipperfield and Spaniard Fermín Vázquez.

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City of Arts and Science.

City of Arts and Science.

L’Assut d’Or bridge.

2.

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3.

Muvim museum.

Architecture from all eras.

www.turisvalencia.es

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

Infography of New Mestalla.

1. 1.

NEW PROJECTS In the next few years, Valencia will see the conclusion of many new projects which will continue to position it among the most architecturally avant-garde destinations. The most imminent project is the “Ágora”, designed by Santiago Calatrava and situated in the City of Arts and Science. This building is conceived as a multi-purpose centre, to serve both as a meeting point and rest area for citizens and visitors as well as a venue for social activities and sports events. It will host the new Tennis Open 500, where the best international players will pick up their racquets and battle it out in a spectacular setting starting in 2009. Another important project is ARTeria Valencia, a unique complex designed by architect Antón García Abril which will combine functionality, aesthetics, tradition and innovation. The building, the European campus of Berklee Music College, will be 27 storeys high, erected on a two-floor horizontal base and reaching a maximum height of 100 metres. The two-floor base will house an auditorium with over 1,400 seats and a residence area for students and teachers. This unique building will contain a public area, with a capacity for 10,000 people. Valencia CF will open its new stadium in the year the club celebrates its 90th anniversary. The new Mestalla stadium, designed by Mark Fenwick and situated near the Palacio de Congresos, will have a capacity for 75,000 spectators and an underground car park with 3,500 parking spaces. Another project which will have a major impact on the city is the Parque Central (Central Park). This new space will be located on the old train tracks and allow this part of the city to be joined together by turning it into an

extensive green area. It will also be the site of the future AVE central station. As for the seafront, Valencia is preparing for the expansion of the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, the result of an international competition in which over 50 architects from all over the world competed. The finalists were Jean Nouvel with José Ribas, Valencia architect José María Tomás Llavador and the German GMP International Architects studio. These three teams will give shape to over one million square metres, including the area of the Grao district, the mouth of the Turia riverbed and the area surrounding the inner harbour. The project consists of a large green area next to the sea, where two 50-storey buildings rising 170 metres high will give the Royal Marina a new and modern feel.

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2.

3.

New projects.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Architecture from all eras.

3. Parque Central (Central Park)

1. New Mestalla Stadium

www.valenciaparquecentral.es

www.valenciacf.es

Arteria www.berklee.edu/valencia http://berkleevalencia.org/es

Ă gora www.cac.es

2. Juan Carlos I Royal Marina

www.marinarealjuancarlosi.com http://www.aumsa.info/sectorgrao.htm

www.turisvalencia.es

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

A CITY OF DESIGN Over the last few years, an excellent pool of young designers has been forming in Valencia whose work is now gaining international recognition. CuldeSac, Sure Design, Erreqerre, Lilou and Odosdesign are some examples of the innate creativity in Valencia. Over 50 galleries are spread around the city to allow art to be enjoyed in its purest form.

In architecture, Valencia has been chosen by a number of prestigious architects such as Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel and David Chipperfield as the site for some of their works. Valencia is also home to a healthy selection of local professionals, including

José María Tomás Llavador, recently honoured in the international competition that will define Valencia’s future marina. Vicente Guallart, creator of Sociópolis, and Ramón Esteve also rank among the city’s most interesting architects.

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2.

Art and Scenography.

Congress Centre by Norman Foster.

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3. Detail of an interior design project.

A city of design.

WEBS OF INTEREST

Design 3. Valencia Region

Official Association of Interior Designers: www.cdicv.com Art Galleries Valencia Region Association of Contemporary Art Galleries: www.galerred.com Architects

2. Valencia Region Architects

Association (COACV): www.coacv.org

Architecture from all eras.

www.turisvalencia.es

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ARCHITECTURE FROM ALL ERAS

MORE THAN ART IN VALENCIA Valencia boasts 34 museums where art and history from all eras can be enjoyed.

The city’s Museum of Fine Arts offers the second largest collection of paintings in Spain after the Prado museum, and includes work by Sorolla, Goya and Zuloaga. The Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) contains permanent collections and temporary exhibitions featuring art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuous Arts contains a wide collection of Spanish and international ceramic works, as well as decorative art. To find out about Las Fallas, the most important celebration in Valencia, a visit to the Museo Fallero (Falla Museum) is recommended. Visitors can discover the origins of the celebration there and see some examples of the original papier-mâché monuments that characte-

rise the festivities. Other museums that stand out include the Valencian Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity (MUVIM), the History of Valencia Museum (MHV), the Valencia Centre of Mediterranean Culture-La Beneficencia, and the Municipal History Museum. It is worth visiting the L’Iber Museum for its originality, as the museum contains the largest collection of tin soldiers.

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Exhibition room IVAM museum.

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IVAM façade.

Exhibition room of MUVIM.

3.

More than art in Valencia.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Valencia Museum of Fine Arts C/ San Pío V, 9 www.cult.gva.es/mbav Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) Centro Julio González.

C/Guillem de Castro, 118 www.ivam.es National Museum of Ceramics Rinconada García Sanchís, 6 www.mnceramica.mcu.es Museo Fallero (“Fallas” Museum) Plaza Monteolivete, 4 www.fallas.com

Architecture from all eras.

Valencia Centre of Mediterranean La Beneficencia C/ Corona, 36 www.xarxamuseus.com

History of Valencia Museum Next to Parque de Cabecera.

Access via C/Valencia (Mislata entrance) Casa Museo José Benlliure C/ Blanquerías, 23 Municipal History Museum Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 MUVIM C/ Guillem de Castro, 8 www.muvim.es Bancaja Cultural Centre Plaza de Tetuán, 23 http://obrasocial.bancaja.es www.turisvalencia.es

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SEASIDE VALENCIA

SEASIDE VALENCIA The America’s Cup celebration in Valencia accelerated the recovery of one of the most important tourist assets in the city.

Today, the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina is one of the most spectacular marinas in Europe. Situated to the east of the city, next to the Malvarrosa and Las Arenas beaches, where numerous restaurants, bars and discotheques are found along the promenade, the port is located just 15

minutes from the historic centre. The Royal Marina boasts two docks, one outer and one inner. The outer dock is formed by the north and south docks, both of which shelter the entry and exit of boats, while the inner dock is used solely by vessels over 30 metres long. Both docks can accommodate over 600 vessels from 10 to 150 metres in length.

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Veles e Vents building.

7 KILOMETRES OF BEACHES AND SAND The seven kilometres of beach has become one of the city’s leading leisure areas. Just a few minutes from the city centre, the Las Arenas, Malvarrosa and La Patacona beaches, as well as the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, can be accessed at any time of year through the city bus network (www.emtvalencia.es), bicycle lanes and the tram (www.metrovalencia. com). You can also go there by car since there is plenty of space to park and various car parks. The seafront promenade connects the three beaches, allowing anyone who likes to skate, cycle, run, walk or just sunbathe to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air.

The most traditional gastronomy can be sampled in any of the restaurants located along the seafront, where meals can be enjoyed with a sea view. The youngest members of the family can play in the children’s areas and there are volleyball courts and pedal boats for hire for the older ones. During the summer nights, the beaches turn into a constant ebb and flow of people enjoying the gentle Mediterranean breeze under the Valencia moon in any of the pubs and summer terraces. The beaches continue to the north with

La Patacona and Port Saplaya, both part of the town of Alboraya. Towards the south, visitors will find Pinedo and El Saler beaches, awarded the European Blue Flag for their clear waters, the perfect condition of the sand and the natural dunes protected

by European law since 1994. Nowadays, the port has become one of the most fashionable areas of the city for dining in one of the restaurants or enjoying a drink in one of the relaxing terraces.

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2.

Marina Juan Carlos I view.

Las Arenas beach view.

3.

MOORED IN VALENCIA The number of stopovers by large boats in the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, now a worldwide port of reference, increases every day. Vessels such as the Queen Elizabeth II or the Navigator of the Sea and the Brilliance of the Seas of the renowned Royal Caribbean company have made several stopovers in Valencia. Another two companies, Pullmantur Cruises and MSC make multiple departures from the port of Valencia. In 2007, around 180,000 passengers came to Valencia in 156 cruise ships.

The figures increased by 11% in 2008, over 170 stopovers and 200,000 visitors.

Valencia has become a destination to be included in the nautical chart.

Seaside valencia.

RELATED LINKS

1. Veles e Vents building

www.marinarealjuancarlosi.com 2. Port of Valencia

www.valenciaport.com

www.turisvalencia.es

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A LIFESTYLE BEYOND COMPARE

A LIFESTYLE BEYOND COMPARE

UNDER THE VALENCIAN MOON Valencia continues to be a city with a thousand personalities once night falls. Its numerous nocturnal leisure areas include all kinds of venues and so no one has to go far for a change of atmosphere. Loyal to the Mediterranean timetable, Valencian nightlife comes to life at midnight. Pubs stay open until 3.30 am and night clubs until daylight.

Terraces in the old city.

3.

As spring arrives, bars spill out onto the streets with hundreds of terraces springing up, allowing customers to enjoy the pleasant weather under the Valencian moon. The nightlife trail begins in the Carmen district, the city’s most popular, diverse and international leisure area. Its streets are densely populated with many pubs and clubs. Various bars offer live performances.

Visitors can let themselves be carried along by the flow of people in C/ Caballeros, making stops here and there until reaching the Plaza del Tossal and getting lost in the surrounding streets.

The Plaza de CĂĄnovas, for the younger crowd, is located in the centre and contains various bars scattered along C/ Salamanca and the streets at right angles to it. Once summer arrives, the beaches are filled with numerous terraces and nocturnal street markets. The Juan Carlos I Royal Marina also offers interesting bars, located by the Mediterranean Sea.

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2.

Spa swimming pool.

Balneario La Alameda outside terrace.

RELAX IN VALENCIA Health tourism is re-emerging as an alternative to the hectic rhythm of daily life, offering such therapies as mineral-medicinal water baths, massages, Vichy showers, chocotherapy and beauty treatments. It is a question of revitalizing body and mind at any time of the year, an alternative to traditional tourism that is becoming more established in Valencia day by day, as the city now boasts more than 25 spas.

One of the most emblematic spas is the La Alameda Spa – Spain’s first urban spa.

After a meticulous renovation, it has been moved into the old Casa de la Lactancia.

This is one of the most unique buildings in the city, a Modernist palace built in the early 20th century to host the 1909 Valencia Regional Exhibition. The mineralmedicinal water at this spa comes from a spring 600 metres deep at a temperature of 42º C. The spa facilities are distributed over three floors, offering a wide range of services including a terrace, gardens, solarium, thermal club, gym and nursery.

Other highlights are the spas installed in the city’s newest hotels, such as the Westin Valencia, Las Arenas and Barceló Valencia.

3. Swimming pool at

Las Arenas Hotel.

A lifestyle beyond compare.

www.turisvalencia.es

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A LIFESTYLE BEYOND COMPARE

MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS Valencia boasts over 8,000 bars, cafeterias and restaurants, which provide a wide offer and, therefore, the highest quality of service and attention. Ca Sento, La Sucursal, Torrijos, Alejandro, Riff and Vertical are all Michelin Star restaurants, placing the cuisine of Valencia among the world’s best. Quality cuisine coexisting in perfect harmony with stoves preparing everything from traditional plates like paella to the famous tapas. Those who wish to try traditional paella on Valencia’s beach should go to one of the numerous restaurants found in Las Arenas beach. All details regarding restaurants in the city can be found in the Savour and live Valencia section at www.turisvalencia.es.

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Seafood stall at Central Market.

Valencian Paella.

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Paella Recipe (4 people) INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1 cup of olive oil.

1 chicken (diced).

1 rabbit (diced).

300 grams of fresh beans.

Artichokes (peeled, cleaned and diced).

1 medium tomato 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika.

Saffron.

6 cups of water.

200 grams of garrofón beans.

12 to 16 snails properly cleaned.

3 cups of white short-grain rice.

Salt to taste.

Sprigs of rosemary and lemon slices.

Heat the olive oil in the paella dish or a wide, shallow frying pan. Sauté the chicken and rabbit for about 5 minutes. Add the beans, artichokes and tomato. Fry lightly for a few minutes. Add the paprika and let the mixture fry for one minute on very low heat. Dissolve the saffron in water and add this water to the paella dish/frying pan immediately. Add the garrafón beans and salt. Increase the heat and let everything boil for about 15 minutes. Add the snails and boil for another 3-4 minutes. Add the rice and spread it through the mixture in the frying pan. Let it boil for about 15 minutes and taste the broth. Add salt to taste if required. Add the rosemary during the last 7-8 minutes and let it cook in the paella for about 5 minutes before removing it. The paella is ready when the water has evaporated but the paella is not completely dry.

To make “socarrat” (when the base of the paella is slightly burned), allow the paella to cook longer.

A lifestyle beyond compare.

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VALENCIAN ESSENCES Rice Trail.

Horchata Trail.

Wine Trail.

Rice was introduced to Valencia by the Arabs in the 12th century with great success due to profitability made from rice sales. 30% of the rice produced in Spain comes from the province of Valencia. The Albufera Nature Reserve and the town of Sueca are areas with over 9,000 hectares of land dedicated to rice cultivation.

Furthermore, Albufera is very well-known for its restaurants specialising in many kinds of rice dishes. There is a Rice of Valencia Certificate of Origin which endorses the quality of the product. The different varieties are Bahía, Senia and Bomba, selected because they guarantee both satisfaction and a healthy option for consumers. Visitors can find Valencian rice in delicatessens as well as in any of the city’s markets or supermarkets. A very curious activity is to visit the Museo del Arroz (Rice Museum), located in an old rice mill dating from the start of the 20th century.

Horchata is one of the most popular drinks in Valencia, made from tiger nuts, a fruit originally from Egypt and brought to this Mediterranean city by the Arabs. Tiger nuts are grown in sixteen towns in the Valencia region of L’Horta Nord, which combines specific meteorological and soil requirements to make this the only region in Spain where this truly unique tuber is grown. However, the most famous town with the most horchaterías (stands) for enjoying this drink is Alboraya. Finding out about the cultivation system and manufacturing process is as interesting as trying the drink. The Tiger Nut of Valencia Certificate of Origin Regulating Council can provide visitors with more information. The Alquería El Machistre offers visitors the opportunity to find out about the production of this refreshing drink on site, from planting the seeds until it is served at the table. It is the only museum of this kind.

The Wine of Valencia Certificate of Origin groups 17,800 hectares of vineyards spread over four smaller subzones: Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel and Clariano.

The average of 650,000 hectolitres produced each year from different varieties of grapes include red, rosé, white and liqueur wines from 80 different brands. Mistela, a wine extracted from the Moscatel grape, is very typical of Valencia. It has a clean and shiny appearance and a sweet taste.

The Wine of Valencia Certificate of Origin Regulating Council, located in the heart of the city, boasts a spectacular winery, exhibition rooms and offers guided visits and wine tastings if booked in advance.

Tiger Nut of Valencia Certificate of Origin Regulating Council www.chufadevalencia.org

Wine of Valencia Certificate of Origin Regulating Council www.vinovalencia.org

WEBS AND PLACES OF INTEREST Albufera Nature Reserve www.albufera.com Museo del Arroz (Rice Museum) www.museoarrozvalencia.com Rice of Valencia Certificate of Origin Regulating Council www.arrozdevalencia.org

Horchatería “El Siglo” Plaza de Santa Catalina, 11 +34 963 918 466 Alquería El Machistre www.elmachistre.es Món Orxata www.monorxata.com www.turisvalencia.es

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A LIFESTYLE BEYOND COMPARE

A FASHIONABLE CITY Valencia is a city that loves fashion and design. This is reflected in its wide group of creators such as the well-established Francis Montesinos and Álex Vidal. Tonuca, Noelia Navarro, Dolores Cortés, Alejandro Sáez de la Torre and Higino Mateu are some of the young designers whose collections have made a substantial impact and who are making their way on to the national and international circuits. Vicente Gracia stands out in the World of jewellery and was selected by Vogue as one of the top twenty jewellers in the world. However, the city also has much to offer those who prefer widely known names.

Some of the possibilities in Valencia for keeping up with the latest trends are Escada, Loewe, Bulgari, Emporio Armani, Hermenegildo Zegna, Louis Vuitton, Hermés, Roberto Cavalli, Farrutx, Carolina Herrera, Roberto Verino and Pomellato for jewellery, and the Valencia-based Lladró company for porcelain. Those seeking clothes with a more urban flavour will find them in the streets around the Plaza del Tossal, where many shops stock Alex Vidal shop window.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

Fashion Week www.semanadelamodadevalencia.com Valencia Region Prêt-à-porter Industrial Association C/ Doctor Sumsi, 28 +34 963 950 605

international brands. Additionally, C/ Colon is the street par excellence for shopping, the location for the major fashion and decor establishments. As for typical handicraft objects, shops stocking handmade wicker and leather goods can be found in Plaza Redonda and C/ de las Cestas. Furthermore, Valencia has its own date with the latest fashion trends.

Fashion Week arrives in the city in January and September to reveal the new pieces by youthful designers such as Ion Fiz and Ramón Gurillo alongside well-respected names like Hannibal Laguna, Álex Vidal and Dolores Cortes, and Valencia natives Tonuca and Nona. The catwalk has also been reserved for a parade of promising youngsters who have an opportunity in this young but tough fashion competition.

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2.

FrancisMontesinos catwalk.

Shop window of one of the fashion shops located at Col贸n street.

3.

A lifestyle beyond compare.

www.turisvalencia.es

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THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS Popular celebrations take place in Valencia throughout the year. These celebrations can be religious or secular, combine ritual and ingenuity, gunpowder, music and, the pièce de resistance, fire. Their most audible, visual and olfactory expression are the fireworks which Valencia natives have turned into a specialty marked by variety and uniqueness. The most famous and internationally recognized of the celebrations in Valencia take place between 15 and 19 March, Las Fallas. This festival is a large pantomime of staged life, in which current local, national and international issues are satirised. Nearly 700 fallas monuments are erected in the city streets, where the aroma of chocolate, gunpowder and buñuelos (fritters) lingers during the days of the celebration. Music bands and parades of “falleros and falleras” (Valencians dressed in traditional costumes) liven up the atmosphere in the streets full of residents and visitors, who throng in the streets in the heart of the city to experience this celebration. However, other celebrations are equally important. The year begins with the procession in honour of Vicente Mártir in January. Other religious festivals with spectacular monuments include the Maritime Holy Week processions, Corpus Christi and the transfer of the Virgin of the Forsaken, the city’s female patron saint, from the Basilica to the Cathedral. The Feria de Julio (July Fair) is not to be missed, with the battle of flowers and an extensive programme of concerts and cultural activities.

Tribunal de las Aguas Plaza de la Virgen.

3.

1.

Nit de la Cremà Fallas.

3.

Mascletà Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

THE CITY OF MUSIC

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The Palau de les Arts, created by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is without a shadow of doubt, the artistic star of the city. Since October 2006, the Palau has offered a full programme which has introduced Valencia to the international opera and theatre circuits. Representations of all styles from the classic to the contemporary take place in its four halls. The main hall contains a 460 m2 stage and 1,380 seats. Each opera can be viewed in various languages via digital screens installed in the seats. The 166 m2 orchestra pit is the third largest in Europe and can adopt, via four mobile levels, different shapes and heights, achieving the highest sound quality depending on the performance and the conductor’s interpretation.

Another musical reference in Valencia is the Palau de la Música. This is one of the most important music centres in Spain and welcomes over 500,000 spectators each year. The musical tradition of Valencia is present throughout the city. Some examples of this music tradition are the concert series offered at the Colón Market, the Cathedral, La Lonja (Silk Exchange),

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Madame Butterfly performance.

Santa Catalina Church and La Nau at the University of Valencia. In another vein, from Tuesday to Sunday, at 9.30 am, and Thursdays at 6.40 pm, the Iglesia de la Patriarca offers masses with Gregorian hymns sung by priests, a tradition that goes back to 1604. Starting in 2011, Valencia will be home to the European campus of Boston’s Berklee College of Music. This will be the largest music school in Europe and the main objective of its plan of studies will be to prepare young, creative musicians capable of tackling the new musical challenges posed by the 21st century and turning them into references in modern music. Around one thousand students will attend the school, with a staff selected from performers, composers and producers, prize winners and musicians nominated for prestigious music awards such as the Grammys.

RELEVANT WEBSITES

1. Palau de Les Arts

www.lesarts.com

Palau de la Música www.palaudevalencia.com

Iglesia del Patriarca C/ Nave, 3 +34 963 533 708

Berklee Valencia www.berklee.edu/valencia/ http://berkleevalencia.org/es

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Conference Centre.

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THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

VALENCIA, A MEETING POINT Valencia is already a highly regarded destination in business tourism. The latest rankings by the ICCA and UIA offer proof, since the city advanced many positions and now finds itself ranked ahead of such cities as Milan, Dublin, Chicago and Toronto.

Valencia perfectly combines its offer of cutting-edge spaces with unique venues of great artistic-historic value where events can be held. One example of contemporary architecture is the Palacio de Congresos (Conference Centre) designed by British architect Norman Foster with a capacity for over 1,480 people in one hall. It celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2008, and unveiled a photovoltaic roof to seal its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Feria Valencia is another reference for its cutting-edge architecture and the comfort and state-of-the-art technology offered in its halls. It occupies a total area of 230,000 m2, 152,600 m2 of which are completely open-plan, and contains 7,000

parking spaces. Its halls can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The Events Centre, now a symbol of the exhibition complex, impresses visitors with its innovative architecture. The City of Arts and Science, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is one of the most popular venues for meetings and events due to its design, the capacity of the buildings and the latest technology. Apart from the Príncipe Felipe Science museum, the Oceanográfico and the Hemisfèric, the city boasts the Palau de les Arts which contains halls for conferences and events in addition to being the city’s leading opera and performing arts centre.

The Ágora, the building which will put the finishing touch to Calatrava’s work, is a new space for events with a capacity of 5,000 people. The Valencia CF stadium will give the city a new space capable of holding 75,000 people. Other cutting-edge buildings the Palau de la Música, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), and the

Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity (MUVIM). As a counterpoint to these modern spaces, historic places and country houses are being promoted as unique places to hold events or meetings.

Businesspeople can choose from churches, such as the Cartuja del Ara Christi, and museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, to a range of country houses in the heart of the Valencian countryside, such as Campo Aníbal, Huerto de Santa María and Masía de Xamandreu. The Valencia Meetings and Events guide can be downloaded a www.turisvalencia.es, providing full information about places and services available in the city for any kind of meeting.

Furthermore, information and useful advice regarding all kinds of events can be found at www.turisvalencia.es/vlcmeetings-events

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Façade of Feria Valencia.

Courtyard of a Valencian “masía”.

Valencia, a meeting point.

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USEFUL INFORMATION: 1. Palacio de Congresos

(Conference Centre) www.palcongres-vlc.com City of Arts and Science www.cac.es

2. Feria Valencia

www.feriavalencia.com Veles e Vents www.marinarealjuancarlosi.com Other unique spaces.

Cartuja del Ara Christi www.paradis.es Campo Aníbal www.campoanibal.com Huerto de Santa María www.huertodesantamaria.com

The greatest stage in the world.

Masía Xamandreu (country house) www.masiaxamandreu.com

www.turisvalencia.es

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THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

FULL SPEED AHEAD

1. Ricardo Tormo Racetrack

www.circuitvalencia.com media@circuitvalencia.com GP Europa www.valenciastreetcircuit.com media@valenciastreetcircuit.com

Valencia will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe until 2014. The streets surrounding the port and the beaches have been converted into an urban circuit with a capacity for 100,000 spectators, propelling the city to international fame as the host of the most prestigious motor competition on the planet.

The urban route was designed by the German architect Herman Tilke, and spans a length of five kilometres with a 14-metre wide track. The project took advantage of the installations created for the 32nd America’s Cup. Motorcycle racing fans also flock to Valencia for the annual Motorcycle Racing Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo Racetrack. The Valencia circuit also hosts other important events each year such as the Superbike, Turismos and GP2 Series world championships.

F1 Championship Ricardo Tormo racetrack.

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the greatest stage in the world.

Motorcycling Champiomship Ricardo Tormo racetrack.

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Formula 1 Grand Prix Europa.

www.turisvalencia.es

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THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

VALENCIA JOINS THE EQUESTRIAN CIRCUIT The equestrian world is also coming to Valencia via the Global Champions Tour. The city will host the Grand Prix of Spain until 2011, with possibilities of an extension until 2013.

Between 8 and 10 May, the best riders in horse racing will gather in the City of Arts and Science. The competition and training area will be situated in the Science Museum lake area.

The Turia Gardens will become the “Horse Gardens�, the site for the boxes area occupied by the horses taking part in the competition as well as a leisure area. The image of Valencia and the City of Arts and Science will be projected to 116 million homes across the planet via the Eurosport television channel.

www.globalchampionstour.com press@oxersport.com

Grand Prix of Spain CSI 5

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RELEVANT WEBSITES www.valenciaopen500.com

THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

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THE BEST RACQUETS IN THE CITY Valencia enters the Tennis Open 500 full force between 2 and 8 November.The tournament will take place inside the Ă gora building (6,500 capacity) on a fast surface court.

Virtual views of Ă gora and inside tennis court.

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Parallel events where sports, music and fashion will go hand in hand will be held throughout the Valencia Open 500. There will be two night sessions where the public can enjoy the best tennis, unique dining and nightlife areas to be installed in other parts of the City of Arts and Science.

www.turisvalencia.es

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THE GREATEST STAGE IN THE WORLD

NOT TO BE MISSED IN 2009…

JANUARY BMW team presentation 20 January Ricardo Tormo Racetrack

JUNE 24th Cinema Jove International Festival www.cinemajovefilmfest.com

FEBRUARY 6th Valencia Fashion Week in Feria Valencia From 3th to 5th February. www.semanadelamodadevalencia.com

JULY 11th Her Majesty the Queen’s Trophy (sailing competition) www.trofeoreina.com 14th Campus Party in Feria Valencia www.campus-party.org

VEO Festival (theatre) From 11 to 22 February. www.festivalveo.com

1. Eclectic Festival 09

Cevisama in Feria Valencia From 10th to 13th February. cevisama.ferivalencia.com

2. Feria de Julio (July Fair)

MTV Winter 24 February. www.mtv.es MARCH Fallas 5. From 15 to 19 March. www.fallas.com APRIL Maritime Holy Week From 9 to 12 April. www.semanasantamarinera.org Festival of Media From 19 to 21 April. www.festivalofmedia.com 3. 22nd Festival Dansa Valencia

www.centrocoreograficotgv.com MAY Global Champions Tour 4. (equestrian) From 8 to 10 May. www.globalchampionstour.com

July, in the City of Arts and Science www.cac.es/eclectic www.valencia.es AUGUST Formula One European Grand Prix 7. From 21 to 23 August SEPTEMBER Habitat Forward in Feria Valencia From 21st to 25th September habitat.feriavalencia.com OCTOBER St. Dionysus Valencia Region Day 9 October 30th Mostra de Cine (film festival) www.mostravalencia.com Greenspace www.heinekengreenspace.es 6. Motorcycle World Championship

8th November www.circuitvalencia.com NOVEMBER Tennis Open 500 From 2 to 8 November City of Arts and Science www.valenciaopen500.com

Eclectic Festival 09. 1.

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The greatest stage in the world.

www.turisvalencia.es

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NATURAL SPACE

NATURAL SPACE

A CITY OF NATURE Valencia is a city boasting over two million square metres of green areas. Parque de Cabecera is currently the largest park in Europe and is the home of Bioparc, where a new concept called zoo-immersion allows visitors to immerse themselves in a slice of Africa in Valencia. Invisible barriers allow visitors to observe how giraffes eat, watch elephants bathing, contemplate the humanity of the gorillas, experience lions up close, laugh with the mongooses and see the different families of lemurs who scamper around feeling right at home. Over 250 species make up the almost 4,000 animals living in over 100,000 square metres of land, which faithfully recreates the most endangered African habitats such as the savanna and forests of Madagascar and equatorial Africa. The plants found in Bioparc are a faithful reproduction of these areas, as are the immense baobabs, Albufera Nature Reserve.

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caves and large rocks. The idea behind Bioparc is to raise the visitor’s awareness of the importance of respecting animals, as well as how to conserve the environment. The water in its canals is recycled. In the next few years, it is expected that the park will not only contain a piece of Africa, but also habitats from Southeast Asia and South America.

The Turia Gardens situated in the old Turia riverbed begin at Parque de Cabecera and run for 9 kilometres, almost reaching the Mediterranean Sea. At the end of these gardens is the City of Arts and Science, where visitors can enjoy a visit to the largest aquarium in Europe, the OceanogrĂĄfico, where they can view various species of marine life from the tropics and the Mediterranean. Whales, dolphins and sharks are just some of the species found there.

Lion at Bioparc.

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The city also boasts over seven kilometres of fine sandy beaches, recognized with Blue Flags for quality. You can go for a stroll, take a swim or ride bicycles there. Ten kilometres from the city centre is the Albufera Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a boat ride on the biggest lake in Europe, passing through rice fields and feasting on one of the traditional rice dishes in the area at one of over 30 restaurants run by families living in the town of El Palmar inside the park. The Dehesa of El Saler forms part of this setting: a natural park formed by a Mediterranean forest and the most renowned beach in Valencia, El Saler. Its dunes, as well as the entire natural park, are protected by European Union guidelines.

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Chimpanzees at Bioparc.

Riverbed of Turia River.

A city of nature.

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USEFUL INFORMATION: 1. Albufera Nature Reserve

www.albufera.com 2. Bioparc 3. www.bioparcvalencia.es

Turia gardens www.culturia.org 5. OceanogrĂ fic

www.cac.es/oceanografic/home

Natural space.

www.turisvalencia.es

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NATURAL SPACE

VISITING VALENCIA WITH CHILDREN Valencia offers countless activities for children which combine learning and fun, much to the youngsters’ delight. The Turismo Valencia web page, www.turisvalencia.es, has collected some useful ideas to the “Visiting Valencia with children” section, directed at both citizens and visitors. This allows parents and children to enjoy the city and its natural and cultural spaces, promoting family tourism. The Bancaja Cultural Centre and the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art) offer guided tours of their exhibition rooms, as well as educational workshops where they teach that artistic expression is the foundation of creation. Similarly, the Palau de la Música offers different activities for little ones, with concerts for school children in the Creciendo con la Música (Growing Up with Music) season, in which the narrators, actors and dancers combine music and theatricality.

Alternatively, the City of Arts and Science teaches children about science, history and the sea world in its different areas dedicated to these disciplines. In the Parque de Cabecera,

USEFUL INFORMATION

Bancaja Cultural Centre www.bancaja.es IVAM www.ivam.es MUVIM www.muvim.es City of Arts and Science www.cac.es Turismo Valencia www.turisvalencia.es 1.

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1. Turia Gardens

www.culturia.org

2. Albufera

www.albufera.com

occupying over 334,000 m2, visitors can enjoy a boat ride in the 20,000 m2 lake with their children, run on the grass, visit Bioparc, or start a bicycle trip and continue it through the Turia Gardens. The Las Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches in Valencia city, or La Patacona, Port Saplaya, El Saler and Pinedo in the metropolitan area, always fly the blue flag and are ideal for walking, running, skating, cycling, swimming or flying kites in the sea breeze. Furthermore, in the Oceanogràfic, the youngest members of the family can enjoy a very special passport, Animalia, where they become dolphin trainers for a few hours. The dolphins are the stars of the summer nights, when the team of synchronised swimmers perform a beautiful underwater dance with these entertaining mammals.

NATURAL SPACE

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VALENCIA

BY BICYCLE Valencia boasts over 70 kilometres of cycling lanes which allow people to get to know the city while practising a sport. The Turia Gardens are an ideal space in which to enjoy nature right in the middle of the city. Situated in the old Turia riverbed, they form a genuine “green lung” which crosses the city from west to east.

It is the only city that can be crossed without dealing with traffic lights and where there is no place for noise since the decibel level is at 59.7, below the 65 recommended by the World Health Organisation. Passing through the city, you will find 15 bridges from different

eras and of different styles, and sports installations such as football and rugby pitches or athletics tracks. In addition, museums are situated on both sides of the old riverbed and can be accessed from different stairs and ramps. These include IVAM (Valencia Institute of Modern Art), MUVIM (Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity) and the San Pio V Museum of Fine Arts as well as City of Arts and Science. There is also park known as “Gulliver” for the little ones. All the information concerning this unique space can be found on www.culturia.org. Those who want to enjoy the Mediterranean can go for a pleasant bicycle ride from Las Arenas beach, passing through the Malvarrosa to end up in La Patacona, where the Casa Museo of Valencia-born writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is located. His most internationally recognized work is “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. Various companies rent out bicycles and organise these types of activities for individuals, groups and companies, with or without a guide.

Riverbed of Turia River.

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RELEVANT WEBSITES Culturia: www.culturia.org Biketours: www.biketours.com Valencia Guides: www.valenciaguias.com Doyoubike: www.doyoubike.com Orangebikes: www.orangebikes.net Cyclotour Bikes: www.cyclotourbike.com

Natural space.

www.turisvalencia.es

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FIGURES AND USEFUL INFORMATION

FIGURES AND USEFUL INFORMATION

GOING TO VALENCIA, WITHOUT GETTING LOST By land, an extensive network of motorways and railways links Valencia with all major destinations throughout Spain and Europe.

By sea, via one of the Mediterranean’s most active ports with an increasing amount of traffic.

By air, via Manises Airport, just 8 km from Valencia, which boats a car park with almost 2,000 parking spaces and an underground line direct to the city centre. The city is connected to over 20 European cities and 16 national destinations.

days that the card is valid, as well as taking advantage of interesting discounts in different tourist spots such as restaurants and retail shops, among others. For more information: www.valenciatouristcard.com. Trained professionals will assist visitors with any questions concerning their trip and provide tourist material such as maps, guides and brochures in the tourist information offices, known as Tourist-Info.

Once in the city, moving around is easy due to the five underground lines, the tram and the extensive bus network. The “Bus Turístic” is a fun way to get to know the city.

This sightseeing bus offers three different routes and its bright orange colour makes it easy to recognise. The first route covers the historic city centre and the main tourist spots, such as the City of Arts and Science, the port and the beaches. The second takes us to the Albufera Nature Reserve, where the price of the tour includes a boat trip on the lake, while third travels around the northwest part of the city with stops at the Conference Centre, the History of Valencia museum and Bioparc. The bus trip includes information in eight languages about the different sights.

This project allows all tourists to enjoy a guided tour via their mobile phone. Virtual visits of the 80 tourist spots contained in this project can also be carried out at www.turisvalencia. es. This website also offers several accommodation options available in the city, from five star luxury hotels to youth hostels in the city centre.

The Valencia Card, available for one, two or three days, enables visitors to use public transport as much as they wish during the

Another very useful service is “Valencia Museu Obert” (Valencia Open Museum), which conceives the city as a large open air museum due to the 11 routes which allow travellers to discover its history and heritage via a network of signs with the “Valencia Museu Obert” logo located in 80 tourist spots around Valencia. Simply dial 650 800 200 and indicate the number of the monument you are in front of. A voice will give you information about the monument in Spanish, Valencian, English or French, depending on the language you select.

Main entrance of Valencia airport.

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Tourist info at Plaza de la Reina.

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THE CITY IN FIGURES 800,000 inhabitants.

The third most popular destination in Spain.

2,000 years of history.

7 kilometres of beaches.

3,500,000 overnight stays per year.

An average annual temperature of 18.9 ยบC.

Main entrance of Estaciรณn del Norte.

USEFUL INFORMATION Manises Airport: www.aena.es Estaciรณn del Norte train station, Renfe: www.renfe.es Port of Valencia: www.valenciaport.com Valencia Metropolitan Transport (EMT): www.emt.es General Traffic Authority/Road Conditions: www.dgt.es/trafico/estado_ circulacion/estado_carreteras.htm Road map of the Valencia Region: www.cop.gva.es/espa/carreteras/mapas/ mapas_car.htm

More than 300 sunny days per year.

Airlines with direct flights to Valencia: www.turisvalencia.es

More than 30 monuments, buildings and historical locations.

Valencia Card: www.valenciacard.es

More than 40 museums.

TOURIST INFO:

30 parks and city gardens.

15 theatres.

1,600 restaurants.

Over 17,200 hotel beds in 118 hotels.

Economic impact of 1,500 million euros from tourism.

163 cruise stops and 200,000 cruise passengers.

2,200 moorings in marinas.

More than 700 meetings.

6,000,000 passengers in the airport.

Tourist-Info Reina: Plaza de la Reina, 19 + 34 963 153 931 Tourist-Info RENFE: Estaciรณn del Norte train station.

C/ Jรกtiva, 24 . + 34 963 52 85 73 Tourist-Info Aeropuerto: Manises Airport. Arrival Terminal. + 34 961 53 0 22 9 Tourist-Info Puerto: Port of Valencia. Arrival Terminal.

Tourist-Info Ayuntamiento (City Hall): Plaza del Ayuntamiento s/n +34 618 183 500 Tourist-Info Playa (Beach): Paseo de Neptuno, 2 +34 963 557 108

Figures and useful information.

Valencia Bus Turistic (sightseeing bus): www.valenciabusturistic.com