Valencia and Murcia
City of Arts and Sciences
Costa Blanca beaches
Baroque architecture
Spectacular fiestas
These two regions take up the middle of Spain’s Mediterranean coast and enjoy a pleasant climate. Valencia city is drawing increasing numbers of visitors to its gleaming white City of Arts and Sciences. The Costa Blanca, a popular coastline, has a range of resorts, from the brash Benidorm to quieter places like Xàbia.
The region of Murcia is distinguished by its Baroque architecture and the coastal lagoon of Mar Menor. Both regions have spectacular fiestas, such as the lively Fallas festival in Valencia.
A stretch of golden beach in Calp, Costa Blanca
Valencia is often overlooked in favor of its more famous and glamorous sisters, Barcelona and Madrid. However, Valencia is worth a stop for any traveler, with laidback locals, a great climate, and easy beach access. The architecture of Valencia makes this a unique city: home to cafés serving the world’s best paellas, its streets are a thrilling example of Spanish Modernista Architecture, which combines elements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
The Curiously Unique Architecture of Valencia
Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts
The Queen Sofia palace of the art is an amazing opera house and cultural center located in Valencia City of Spain. It is known as Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Spanish. This modern architectural marvel was designed by globally popular Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The construction started in 1995 it took 10 long years for the completion. Today it is a popular landmark of Valencia City and one of most beautiful opera houses in the world.
At a height of 75 meters the Queen Sofia palace of the arts is the tallest opera house in the world. It is a 17 storey building, has 3 storeys below the ground and 14 stories above the ground. The swooping mosaic roof is the most impressive part of Valencia opera.
The feather like roof if the opera has a length of 230 meters, constructed with laminated steel. The white concrete and delicate mosaic works, gives all time luminosity to the outer surface of the building. There are three separate sections that designed for operas, musical performances and conferences.
