The City of Science and Art in Valencia
Valencia is a city that offers its guests an incredible amount of interesting sights and experiences the primary of which is the pearl of modern architecture, the City of Arts and Sciences or, La Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias if you speak Spanish, is an amazing feat of architectural work that is a must-visit when in Valencia.It combines the Mediterranean traditions and modern architecture. This creates a futuristic image that symbolizes the renewed Valencia: a modern city within the ancient. Millions of tourists come every year to enjoy the peculiar interweaving of culture and science, of old and new.
The City of Science and Art in Valencia is a unique complex dedicated to scientific and cultural achievements, it has a never-ending source of inspiration for those who want to spend their time and try to absorb every aspect of the building. But for those more average in the architectural interest, we have compiled a shortlist of the most important components that might make your visit easier more enjoyable. We have broken this modern wonder to five main elements:
1) Umbracle – a landscaped gazebo with many unique plants. The Umbracle was finished 2000 and is a kind of exhibition area. On this territory, there are structures of the greenhouse itself, ponds and beautiful paths. Plants in the Greenhouse periodically change, often
holding exhibitions of tropical plants. The Garden of Astronomy (Jardín de Astronomía) organizes these exhibitions and changes.
2) The Museum of Science of Prince Felipe “Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe” is an innovative interactive science center that has become the world leader in interactive science. The main goal is to encourage curiosity and critical thinking. The slogan of the museum is “It is forbidden not to touch, not feel, not think.” The museum has organized a huge variety of exhibitions and scientific animations. We guarantee this will be interesting to both children and adults.
3) Aquarium in Valencia “Oceanorafico” – is the largest aquarium in Europe with more than 500 marine species. Built in 2003, is Europe’s largest aquarium with seawater and is a combination of the main marine ecosystems on the planet. They also offer dolphin and penguin shows perfect for family vacations.
4) “Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía” – the main opera hall of the city of Valencia. Opened in 2005 and is an excellent venue for concerts of both classical music, opera, and more modern music.
5) The Ágora complex- A modern sports and culture complex that hosts tennis matches but also various concerts. Ágora is a new icon of the city of the future, which is a universal space where events of various types can be held; from congresses and conferences to the organization of tennis tournaments.
If you do visit this wonder then skip the taxi ride there, instead opt for a nice walk. La Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias is located at the end of the old riverbed of the Turia river that once circled around the city of Valencia as a protective barrier in the old days. Since then the riverbed has been dried out and turned into a beautiful park that surrounds the heart of the city.
