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Valencia: the story on HearLore | HearLore
Valencia
Valencia was founded in 138 BC as a Roman colony named Valentia Edetanorum, established specifically to reward Roman soldiers who had fought against the Lusitanian rebel Viriatus during the Third Lusitanian War. The name itself, derived from the Latin word for strength or valour, reflected the Roman practice of granting land to veterans as a form of recognition for their military service. This strategic settlement was located on the banks of the Turia River, an alluvial plain that would eventually become the city's most defining geographical feature. The Romans built the city on a fertile floodplain several kilometers from the sea, creating a hub that would survive the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and evolve through centuries of conflict and cultural transformation. The early city was a testament to Roman engineering and military organization, with its layout designed to support both agricultural production and defensive needs. The Roman cornucopia, a symbol of abundance found on the floor of a Roman building excavated in the Plaça de la Mare de Déu, remains a powerful reminder of the city's origins as a place of prosperity and strength.
The Islamic Golden Age and Jewish Flourishing
Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Valencia became part of the Visigothic Kingdom from 546 to 711 AD before surrendering to the invading Moors around 714 AD. Under Islamic rule, the city was known as Madînat al-Turâb, meaning 'city of earth' or 'sand,' and later as Balansiyya, a name that referred to both the city and the wider region. The Islamic period brought significant cultural and economic development, including the introduction of new irrigation systems and crops that transformed the surrounding agricultural landscape. During this era, Valencia became a center of learning and culture, with notable figures such as the Jewish poet and philosopher Solomon ibn Gabirol spending his final years in the city. The Jewish community thrived, constituting about 7 percent of the total population when the city fell to James I of Aragon in 1238. The Islamic period also saw the development of unique architectural styles and the establishment of a sophisticated urban infrastructure that would influence the city's development for centuries. The city's importance as a regional center was evident in its population, which reached approximately 20,000 during the Almohad rule, making it one of the most significant cities in the region.
The Golden Age of Silk and Trade
The 15th century marked Valencia's emergence as one of the largest European cities, driven by a thriving economy based on silk production and Mediterranean trade. Genoese traders introduced innovative silk manufacturing techniques and promoted the cultivation of white mulberry trees, transforming Valencia into a major silk-producing center that rivaled even Lisbon in the West. The city became a hub for the slave trade, second only to Lisbon, creating a trade axis that connected West Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. This economic boom was accompanied by significant cultural and architectural development, with landmark buildings such as the Serranos Towers, the Silk Exchange, and the Miguelete Tower being constructed during this period. The Valencian Golden Age saw the flourishing of culture and the arts, with Flemish and Italian influences shaping local artistic traditions. The city's population grew to become the most populous in the Crown of Aragon, and its economic prosperity attracted merchants, artisans, and workers from across Europe. The Taula de canvi, a municipal public bank established in 1407, facilitated financial transactions and supported the city's growing commercial activities. This period of prosperity would eventually be disrupted by the emergence of the Atlantic World and the rise of Barbary piracy, which would challenge Valencia's dominance in Mediterranean trade.
Common questions
When was Valencia founded and by whom?
Valencia was founded in 138 BC as a Roman colony named Valentia Edetanorum by Roman soldiers who had fought against the Lusitanian rebel Viriatus during the Third Lusitanian War. The name itself, derived from the Latin word for strength or valour, reflected the Roman practice of granting land to veterans as a form of recognition for their military service.
What was the population of Valencia during the Islamic period?
The population of Valencia reached approximately 20,000 during the Almohad rule, making it one of the most significant cities in the region. The Jewish community thrived, constituting about 7 percent of the total population when the city fell to James I of Aragon in 1238.
When did the War of the Spanish Succession end for Valencia?
The War of the Spanish Succession concluded with the Battle of Almansa on the 25th of April 1707, after which the English army evacuated Valencia and the ancient Charters were abolished. The Nueva Planta decrees replaced the Valencian Charter with the Castilian Charter, marking the end of Valencia's autonomy and the beginning of a new era of centralized control.
What are the dates of the Falles festival in Valencia?
The Falles is a five-day festival held from 15 to the 19th of March that has been declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The festival began in the 18th century as a celebration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and culminates in La Cremà, the burning of all the Falles on the night of the 19th of March.
Who designed the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia?
The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by renowned structural engineer and architect Santiago Calatrava and architect Félix Candela. This futuristic complex, situated in the former Turia riverbed, comprises multiple monuments including the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, an opera and music palace with four halls and a total area of 100,000 square meters.
When was the Statute of Autonomy of 1982 enacted for Valencia?
The post-Franco era saw the establishment of the Valencian Community as an autonomous entity, with the Statute of Autonomy of 1982 designating Valencia as its capital. The city has since experienced a surge in cultural development, exemplified by exhibitions and performances at iconic institutions such as the Palau de la Música, the Palacio de Congresos, and the City of Arts and Sciences.
The 17th century brought devastating crises to Valencia, culminating in the 1609 expulsion of the Moriscos, descendants of the Muslim population that had converted to Christianity. These Moriscos constituted roughly one-third of the total population, and their forced removal to Muslim North Africa caused the financial ruin of many Valencian nobility and the bankruptcy of the Taula de canvi in 1613. The expulsion represented a catastrophic economic blow to the city, as the Moriscos had been essential to the agricultural and industrial sectors. The crisis was compounded by the rise of Barbary piracy, which targeted the coastline and created widespread insecurity that would not be substantially reduced until the 1580s. The city's economic decline was further exacerbated by the War of the Spanish Succession, which ended Valencia's political and legal independence when Philip V repealed the Furs of Valencia as punishment for the kingdom's support of Charles of Austria. The War of the Spanish Succession concluded with the Battle of Almansa on the 25th of April 1707, after which the English army evacuated Valencia and the ancient Charters were abolished. The Nueva Planta decrees replaced the Valencian Charter with the Castilian Charter, marking the end of Valencia's autonomy and the beginning of a new era of centralized control.
The Modern City and Cultural Renaissance
The 20th century transformed Valencia from an industrial center into a vibrant cultural and tourist destination, with major developments including the construction of the City of Arts and Sciences and the restoration of historic landmarks. The city experienced explosive population growth through immigration spurred by jobs created with the implementation of major urban projects and infrastructure improvements. The 1957 flood of the Turia River, which resulted in 81 casualties and extensive property damage, led to the remodelling of the city and the creation of a new river bed that became the Turia Gardens, one of the city's green lungs. The post-Franco era saw the establishment of the Valencian Community as an autonomous entity, with the Statute of Autonomy of 1982 designating Valencia as its capital. The city has since experienced a surge in cultural development, exemplified by exhibitions and performances at iconic institutions such as the Palau de la Música, the Palacio de Congresos, and the City of Arts and Sciences. The city's international reputation has been enhanced by world-class events including the America's Cup yacht races and the European Grand Prix of Formula One. The city's transformation has been marked by the rehabilitation of the Old City and the development of new cultural and entertainment venues that have improved livability and attracted increasing numbers of tourists.
The Living City: Festivals and Traditions
Valencia is renowned for its vibrant festivals and traditions, most notably the Falles, a five-day festival held from 15 to the 19th of March that has been declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The festival began in the 18th century as a celebration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, with the burning of waste planks of wood from their workshops. Over time, the tradition evolved to include the creation of elaborate ninots, or papier-mâché figures, that depict famous personalities and topical subjects of the past year, often presenting humorous and satirical commentary. The festival culminates in La Cremà, the burning of all the Falles on the night of the 19th of March. The city also hosts the Water Tribunal of Valencia, a court dating from Moorish times that hears and mediates in matters relating to irrigation water, which was declared an intangible cultural heritage in 2009. These traditions reflect the city's deep cultural roots and its ability to maintain and evolve its unique identity while embracing modern developments. The city's festivals and traditions have become important tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant culture and history of Valencia.
The City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences stands as a testament to Valencia's modern architectural achievements, designed by renowned structural engineer and architect Santiago Calatrava and architect Félix Candela. This futuristic complex, situated in the former Turia riverbed, comprises multiple monuments including the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, an opera and music palace with four halls and a total area of 100,000 square meters. The complex also features L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, housing 45,000 animals of 500 species from various ocean environments. The El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, an interactive museum of science built to resemble the skeleton of a whale, spans around 30,000 square meters across three floors. The complex includes an IMAX cinema, a science museum, an oceanographic park, and other structures such as a long covered walkway and restaurants. The City of Arts and Sciences has become one of Valencia's most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the city's transformation into a modern cultural and entertainment hub. The complex has contributed significantly to Valencia's international reputation and has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its innovative architecture and diverse cultural offerings.
The Global City: Economy and Future
Valencia has emerged as a Gamma-level global city, recognized by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network for its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. The city's economy is service-oriented, with nearly 84 percent of the working population employed in service sector occupations, while maintaining an important industrial base with 8.5 percent of the population employed in manufacturing. The Port of Valencia is the biggest on the Mediterranean western coast and the first in Spain in container traffic, handling 20 percent of Spain's exports. The city has been designated as the World Design Capital 2022 and the European Green Capital 2024, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and innovation. Valencia's economy has experienced significant growth, with the metropolitan area having a GDP amounting to $52.7 billion and $28,141 per capita. The city has been voted the world's top destination for expatriates, based on criteria such as quality of life and affordability. The city's future looks promising, with ongoing development in housing, transportation, and cultural infrastructure, ensuring its position as a leading global city in the 21st century.