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Student Accommodation
Valencia Spain
Valencia is Spain’s third largest city and has an
extremely Mediterranean feel to it, more so than
other Spanish cities. This is largely due to the
fact that it was founded by the Romans in 137 BC and
was later a Roman military port. Two of the city’s
original gates still stand today, but the city has
expanded somewhat since those stones were laid.
Santiago Calatrava, among the world's most
sought-after architects, constructed the city of
Arts and Science project for his hometown. It's a
spectacular, hemispheric complex with a glimmering
reflection pool. Don't miss the chance to see an
outdoor concert here at night while the whole "city"
is perfectly lit. There are 5 different sections: an
arts pavilion, Europe's largest aquarium, an
interactive science centre, a planetarium/ IMAX dome
and a botanical garden.
Barrio Del Carmen, the city's historic quarter, is
made up of winding, maze-like streets perfect for
exploring and strolling. Around here you'll find the
sights typical to any ancient Spanish city: the
cathedral, city hall, and numerous plazas now set up
with outdoor cafes.
One of the best parts of studying in Valencia is
that you're right on the beach! The most lively city
beaches, Las Arenas and Malvarrosa, are connected by
a busy boardwalk full of restaurants and cafes. The
nearby newly refurbished port area is where the 2007
America's Cup and the 2008 European Grand Prix was
held on a brand new constructed street circuit
around the port, similar to the one in Monaco. If
however, you prefer a more secluded experience, you
can also hop on a bus to arrive at any number of
local shores.
Valencia is renowned for its festivals and two of
Spain’s best-known take place in the city centre and
just outside. The first of these is Las Fallas, a
celebration of San José (St Joseph) in March.
Celebrations take place throughout the month but the
third weekend is when the main festivities take
place. ‘La Tomatina’ is the other festival Valencia
is known for, even though it takes place in a Buñol
45 minutes from the city centre. This is the
festival where people destroy each other with
tomatoes for the day.
Valencia is of course the birthplace of paella,
largely due to the fact that the outskirts of the
city are where you will find hundreds of rice
fields, something unusual for a European city.
Paella has many variations but Valencia is where you
can treat yourself to traditional paella, with rice,
chicken and rabbit being the staple ingredients.
The most vibrant part of Valencia centres around the
Calle Caballeros and the side streets which branch
off it. Similar to Valencia’s northern counterpart
Barcelona, the lamp-lit streets of Valencia don’t
get busy until after 11pm. Then once the clock
strikes midnight the city is in full swing, with
bars and night clubs to cater for all tastes.
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