Valencia history

The history of Valencia is a chronicle of rises and falls, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage. Situated on fertile lands by the Mediterranean Sea, it has been a strategically important centre since its very inception.

Foundation and Roman Period

Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BCE under the name Valentia Edetanorum, which can be translated as "Fortress" or "Valour of the Edetani" (named after the local Iberian tribe). Initially, it was a settlement for retired veterans of the Roman army. The city developed rapidly thanks to its location on the important trade route, Via Sucronense, and the surrounding fertile lands. The Romans laid the foundation for the urban layout and created the first irrigation systems, which defined the agricultural character of the region for centuries to come.

Key Factors of Formation

Over the centuries, Valencia's development was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the Turia River, near the Mediterranean Sea, made the city an important port and trade hub.
• Fertile Lands: The surrounding plain, irrigated by a complex system of canals created by the Romans and perfected by the Moors, contributed to agricultural prosperity.
• Shifts in Power: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city experienced Visigoth rule, and in 714, it was conquered by the Moors. Under their dominion, known as the "Balansiya" period, the city reached a new height of prosperity. In 1238, King James I of Aragon reconquered the city, founding the independent Kingdom of Valencia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the Moorish period, Valencia (then Balansiya) became a thriving centre of culture and economy. Crafts developed actively here: the production of silk, paper, leather, ceramics, and glass. The city was famous for its palaces, mosques, and gardens, and was also a hub for scientific and poetic thought. After the Christian conquest in the 13th century, a new phase began, culminating in the 15th century — Valencia's "Golden Age". During this period, the city was one of the main financial and cultural centres of the Mediterranean; the first Bible on the Iberian Peninsula was printed here, and one of the first banks was founded.

Key Milestones in Valencia's History

Valencia's history is rich in events that have shaped its unique appearance. From a Roman outpost to a modern metropolis, here are the main moments of this long journey.

• 138 BCE — Foundation of the city by Roman consul Decimus Junius Brutus under the name Valentia Edetanorum. Initially, it was a settlement for Roman army veterans.
• 714 — The city is conquered by the Moors and receives the name Balansiya. A centuries-long period of Muslim rule begins, bringing prosperity in agriculture, crafts, and sciences.
• 1094 — The legendary Castilian knight Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, conquers Valencia and temporarily turns it into a Christian principality.
• 1238 — King James I the Conqueror of Aragon retakes the city from the Moors, which becomes a key event of the Reconquista. The Kingdom of Valencia is founded.
• 15th Century — Valencia's "Golden Age". The city becomes one of the main cultural and economic centres of the Mediterranean; silk trade develops actively, and iconic buildings are constructed, such as the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda).
• 1499 — The University of Valencia is founded, quickly becoming one of the most important educational centres in Spain.
• 1707 — During the War of the Spanish Succession, Valencia loses its centuries-old privileges (fueros) and autonomy following the defeat at the Battle of Almansa.
• 1812 — During the Peninsular War, the city was briefly occupied by Napoleon's troops.
• 1957 — A catastrophic flood of the Turia River claims dozens of lives and causes immense damage. This event leads to the decision to drain and divert the riverbed.
• 1982 — Valencia receives the status of the capital of the autonomous community of the same name within the new democratic Spain.
• 1998 — The first part of the City of Arts and Sciences — L'Hemisfèric — opens. This futuristic complex, built in the drained Turia riverbed, becomes the new symbol of the city.

Major Milestones in Valencia's Development

The history of Valencia is a path of constant transformation, where each era left its mark on the economy, culture, and appearance of the city. From Roman engineers to modern architects, key moments have defined the current character of this Mediterranean metropolis.

• Moorish Heritage (8th–13th Centuries): During the period when the city was called Balansiya, the foundations of its agrarian prosperity were laid. The Moors perfected the Roman irrigation system, creating a complex network of canals (acequias) that still irrigates the "Huerta de Valencia" gardens today. They introduced new crops, including oranges and rice, which became symbols of the region, and developed the production of silk, ceramics, and paper, turning the city into an important trade centre.
• The "Golden Age" (15th Century): Following the Christian conquest, Valencia reached the peak of its economic and cultural power. The city became one of the main financial capitals of the Mediterranean. A symbol of this prosperity is La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange) — a masterpiece of Gothic architecture where major trade deals were concluded. During this period, trade flourished, banks were founded, and the city became a centre for arts and literature.
• Decline and Centralisation (17th–18th Centuries): The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 dealt a serious blow to the economy, as they constituted a significant portion of the artisans and farmers. Later, after the War of the Spanish Succession in 1707, Valencia lost its age-old privileges and autonomy (fueros), leading to the centralisation of power and a slowdown in economic development.
• Industrial Growth and Expansion (19th Century): In the 19th century, the city's economy received a new impulse thanks to the growth of citrus and rice exports. This allowed for significant urban transformations: in 1865, the old fortress walls were demolished, allowing the city to expand. The formation of new districts, such as Eixample, and the modernisation of the port began.
• The "Turia Gardens" Project (post-1957): The catastrophic flood of the Turia River in 1957 became a turning point in Valencia's modern history. A bold decision was made to drain and divert the riverbed outside the city. On the liberated space, approximately 9 kilometres long, a huge park was created — The Turia Gardens. This grandiose project radically changed the urban environment, creating a unique green zone for leisure and sports.
• City of Arts and Sciences (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): In the drained Turia riverbed, the futuristic architectural complex City of Arts and Sciences was built, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. This complex, including an opera house, science museum, oceanarium, and other facilities, became the new symbol of Valencia and a powerful magnet for tourists, marking the city's transformation into a major international cultural and tourist hub.

The architectural appearance of Valencia is an amazing journey through the centuries, where each era has left its unique mark. From the narrow streets of the medieval city to the futuristic structures of the 21st century, buildings and districts tell the story of development, prosperity, and bold urban planning decisions.

Roman Heritage and Gothic Flourishing

The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BCE, and traces of their layout can still be seen in the structure of the historical centre. However, the true architectural flourishing occurred during Valencia's "Golden Age" (15th Century), when Valencian Gothic dominated. This style was characterised by magnificence and grandeur, reflecting the city's wealth as a Mediterranean trade centre.

• The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda): A masterpiece of late Gothic and a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolising the commercial power of medieval Valencia.
• Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos) and Quart Towers (Torres de Quart): Majestic city gates that are among the best examples of military Gothic architecture in Spain.
• Valencia Cathedral: Although the cathedral represents a mix of styles, its main structure and many elements are executed specifically in the Gothic spirit.

Renaissance and Opulent Baroque

The Renaissance era brought harmony and classical forms to the city's architecture, although not on the same scale as Gothic. A vivid example is the College of the Patriarch (Real Colegio del Corpus Christi). Later, in the 17th–18th centuries, the strictness of the Renaissance was replaced by opulent and decorative Baroque. Its most famous embodiment is the incredible façade of the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, which today houses the National Museum of Ceramics.

Era of Valencian Modernism

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Valencia experienced a new architectural rise with the arrival of Modernisme (Art Nouveau). This style, inspired by nature and new technologies, gave the city some of its most recognisable buildings. It is characterised by the use of wrought iron, ceramics, glass, and ornate decorations.

• Central Market (Mercado Central): One of the most beautiful and lively Art Nouveau buildings, a true temple of trade and architecture.
• North Station (Estación del Norte): The station's façade is decorated with mosaics depicting oranges and flowers, celebrating the fertility of the Valencian land.
• Colon Market (Mercado de Colón): Another masterpiece of Valencian Modernism, which is today a popular gastronomic space.

Modern Architecture and Urban Planning of the Future

The boldest urban planning decision of the 20th century was the draining of the Turia riverbed after the catastrophic flood of 1957. A huge park was created on this site, and at its end, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) was erected. This complex, designed by world-renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, has become the new symbol of Valencia and one of the most outstanding examples of modern architecture in the world. Its snow-white, "bio-tech" buildings, reflecting in the water, create an image of a city of the future and attract travellers from all over the planet.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Valencia

Valencia has gifted the world many talented people whose achievements have left a noticeable mark on history and culture. From artists and writers to architects and historical figures — these personalities shaped the image and fame of the city.

• Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923) — one of the greatest Spanish Impressionist painters, born in Valencia. He became famous for his paintings filled with light, often depicting scenes on the beaches of Valencia. His works, celebrating the Mediterranean coast, brought him international recognition.
• Santiago Calatrava (born 1951) — a world-renowned architect and sculptor, a native of Valencia. His futuristic style, defined as "bio-tech", is embodied in the city's most famous modern symbol — the City of Arts and Sciences. Calatrava's works can be found all over the world, and they are famous for their boldness and innovation.
• Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (1867–1928) — a prominent Spanish realist writer and politician born in Valencia. In his novels, such as "Among the Orange Groves" and "The Cabin", he vividly described the life and daily routine of his native region. His home in Valencia has today been turned into a museum.
• The Borgia Family (15th–16th Centuries) — an influential family of Spanish origin, closely connected with Valencia. Its most famous representative was Rodrigo Borgia, who became Pope under the name Alexander VI. He was born near Valencia, in the city of Xàtiva, and was the Bishop of Valencia before his election. The Borgia family played a key role in the politics of the Renaissance.
• Vincent Ferrer (1350–1419) — a Dominican friar, preacher, and saint, the patron of Valencia. He was one of the most influential religious figures of his time in Europe. His sermons attracted thousands of people, and his activities contributed to strengthening the position of the church.
• Ausiàs March (c. 1400–1459) — one of the greatest poets of Catalan-language literature of Valencia's "Golden Age". A knight and courtier, he moved away from the traditions of the troubadours and created deeply personal, philosophical poetry about love, death, and morality, exerting a huge influence on subsequent Spanish poets.
• Edmundo Suárez "Mundo" (1916–1978) — a legendary footballer and striker. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Valencia CF. Mundo remains the club's top scorer in its entire history, and his name became a symbol of the "golden era" of Valencian football in the 1940s.