The area of Valencia has been populated for
thousands of years since it is fertile land. The
Romans selected the territory as retirement country
for their soldiers. Each soldier was given a plot of
land as their pension payment.
These soldiers brought a new grain called "rice"
with them from their journeys in Minor Asia and
created a dish that is famous today: the paella. The
original paella was made of the produce that was
found there: snails, eel and rabbit.
The next major settlement came with the Moors from
Northern Africa in the 8th century until the
city was retaken by King Jaume I in 1238 and
declared an independent kingdom. Ever since,
the city and the region around it have had their own
separate identity which still can be felt today.
The Cathedral of Valencia is one of the oldest and
most renowned in the world. The city centre with its
winding little streets has remained relatively
unchanged since the middle ages. The city has a
very busy calendar of traditional processions and
festivities that go back hundreds of years.
But Valencia is not just about history; it is also one
of the liveliest cities in Spain with a large student
population. Another surprising aspect of Valencia is
its world class architecture thanks to one of the top
architects in the world called Santiago Calatrava who
was born there. Check out the amazing Ciudad de las Artes y las
Ciencias to see what we mean.
Our school is located right in the city centre within
walking distance from all the attractions. Come
discover Valencia, it is a great place to learn Spanish!
