Valencia

Valencia is the capital of the Valencian Community and the province of the same name in Spain.

It sits on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean Sea. The city is located on the banks of the Turia River.

Currently, the city has a population of 824,340 people. The larger urban area contains 1.6 million residents. The entire metropolitan region is even larger, with 2.5 million people. Valencia is ranked as a Gamma-level global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

The history of the city began as a Roman colony in 138 BC.

The Romans called the settlement Valentia Edetanorum. The name Valentia means "strength" or "valour." This name honored the courage of Roman soldiers. The historian Livy noted that soldiers settled there after fighting a rebel named Viriatus. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Catholic Church assumed power. This occurred as Germanic groups like the Visigoths moved into the region. The city became part of the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo by the late 6th century.

Islamic rule began in the 8th century and changed the city significantly.

During this period, the city was known by Arabic names. One name was Medina at-Tarab, meaning "City of Joy." Another name was Medina at-Turab, meaning "City of Sands" or "City of Earth." This name likely referred to its location by the Turia River. The Islamic period introduced new irrigation systems and different crops to the area. Valencia also became the head of an independent emirate called the Taifa of Valencia. This era saw notable urban development and a diverse population, including many Jewish residents.

In 1238, the city underwent a major political shift.

King James I of Aragon led an army to capture the city. This conquest made Valencia the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. Following this, the city entered a period of great prosperity. The 15th century is known as the Valencian Golden Age. During this time, culture and the arts flourished throughout the region. Trade with Italian ports and other Mediterranean locations helped the city grow. By the end of the 15th century, Valencia was one of the largest cities in Europe.

Economic and social changes brought challenges in later centuries. The 16th century saw insecurity caused by Barbary piracy along the coast.

This piracy forced the fortification of many coastal sites. In 1609, the Spanish government expelled the Moriscos from the kingdom. The Moriscos were descendants of the Muslim population who had converted to Christianity. They made up about one third of the total population. This expulsion caused a massive economic crisis. It led to the bankruptcy of the local bank, the Taula de canvi, in 1613. The city also suffered during the War of the Spanish Succession from 1702 to 1709.

Despite these hardships, Valencia remained a center for industry and government. In the 18th century, the city became a major center for silk manufacturing.

During the Spanish Civil War, Valencia held a very important role. From 1936 to 1937, it served as the provisional seat of the Spanish Government.

Today, the Port of Valencia remains vital to the region. It is one of the busiest container ports in both Europe and the Mediterranean.

This maritime activity connects the city to global trade networks.

Modern Valencia is recognized for its design and its environment. The city was selected as the World Design Capital in 2022. It was also named the European Green Capital for 2024.

The city is famous for its many traditions and celebrations. One of the most notable is the Falles festival.

This tradition was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in 1965. In November 2016, UNESCO named it an intangible cultural heritage. These honors show how the city balances its deep history with modern innovation.