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VALENCIA - FROM SILK TO SAILING

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Contributor / 2007-02-12 13:56:11

For a short break the place to go this year is Valencia, for it is here that for the first time in Europe one of sailing's major championships is to be held.

The eyes of the world will be focused on Valencia later this year for the prestigious America's Cup. Already, in early January the Spanish challenger, Desafio Español took its craft out for a maiden voyage.

In fact January, saw Valencia take the lead as a sporting city when the two time winner of Formula 1 champion, Fernando Alonso was there and presented as the main driver for his new team, Vodafone McLaren and thousands of people had gathered to watch the champion driving around the race track. The next day BMW unveiled its new car for the 2007 season. But it is the America's Cup which will hold the attention of the sailing fraternity as it is held in Valencia, the first time that it has been held in Europe. A special village has taken shape similar but somewhat smaller to the Olympic villages and there will be displays as the event takes place. Often the America's Cup is referred to as the Holy Grail of racing and according to some traditions Valencia is the home of the real Holy Grail, fitting then that Valencia has been chosen for this honour. With its stable reliable weather conditions and its thermal breezes organisers thought Valencia perfect for the venue.

But what else can you expect to do and see in one of Spain's major cities? It is an historical, dynamic and enterprising city and the Capital of Valencia Region and its history is as fascinating as the modern progressive city. The prosperity of its agriculture area and the success of its silk industry coupled with its development as a financial and business centre made the period between the 15th and 17th century the Golden Age and it saw the birth of such eminent authors as Joanot Matorell who wrote the Tirant lo Balnc (The White Knight). 

However, this period was not to last and the final straw for the economy of Valencia was the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 and as a result of that victory Philip V the conquering hero decreed that the city's privileges were to be abolished because the Valencians had sided with Archduke Charles of Austria in the war of the Spanish Succession. Over the next centuries Valencia once again began to flourish and involved itself in the country's economic and cultural Renaissance. During the Civil War (1936 - 1939) Valencia was for a time the capital of the Republican Government but disaster was soon to follow when great losses were sustained during the floods of 1957. Following this, democracy was re-established and the Valencia region obtained the Statute of Autonomy.  Valencia was of course the city where El Cid, Spain's national hero fought against the Moors and the popular fiestas of the area still remember these times.

The old town of Valencia is limited by the rails of the old tramways and most of the historic monuments can be seen here. Although the original cathedral is of Gothic style some parts were built in later times and the three portals are of the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. The main chapel is also of the Baroque style. Its impressive octagonal bell-tower is one of the city's landmarks and from the tower you have a wonderful view of Valencia.

The cathedral's museum boasts the works of Goya, Jacomart and Cellini. Nearby is the Church dedicated to the patroness of the city the Virgen de los Descamparados. Another church close by, the Iglesia de San Esteban is said to be the church where the daughters of El Cid were married.

If you enjoy sitting on a sun drenched beach then once again you will not be disappointed and of course there are the new marina developments built for the America's Cup; all providing perfect viewing areas for the racing.

Finally, whilst paella is known as Spain's national dish Valencia is said to be the home of the original paella and some even say that if you have not eaten paella in Valencia then you have never eaten paella at all. If after eating you need a drink try another specialty; Horchata. It is made from the milk of the plant, Chufas, which is similar to rice and is served ice cold. Valencia is also renowned for its festivals and spectacular fireworks which have become an art form within the city. Indeed one pyrotechnical work of art takes a year to build but is burned in one night. The Valencians enjoy their work and certainly they enjoy their leisure time which they love to share with visitors and you will be made to feel extremely welcome in this thriving city.

Diana Bridle

Tags: Americas Cup, Formula One