Valencia Removals

Situated on the banks of the Turia, the city of Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC and is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Set on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Valencia is Spain’s third largest metropolitan area- slightly smaller than Madrid and Barcelona in terms of population. The original Latin name of the city was ‘Valentia’, meaning ‘strength’ or ‘valour’. During the rule of the Muslim kingdoms in the country, it had the nickname ‘Medina at-Tarab’, which translates as ‘City of Joy’. In 2009, Valencia was deemed ‘the 29^th fastest-improving European city’, due to its commerce, education, media and arts. The city’s port is the biggest on the Mediterranean western coast, and the second of its kind in Spain, handling 20% of the country’s exports. The main exports are food and beverages, as well as tiles and textiles. Public transport within the city is provided by the FGV, a public railway, multiple bus stations, and AVE high speed trains. Valencia Airport is 9km outside of the city centre, offering connections to many European cities, as well as some destinations further afield. Some major monuments in the city are Valencia Cathedral, consecrated in 1238 by the first Bishop of Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences building, a stunning cultural complex opened in 1998 which supposedly cost over (euros) 900 million to construct, and Assut de l’Or Bridge, a single-pylon cabled-stayed bridge which connects the Turia gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences complex. World famous football club Valencia CF, in the highest Spanish league, are one of the most successful clubs in Europe, having won multiple titles and championships. There are 16 districts in the city, with towns administratively within the districts. Valencia is twinned with Sacramento in the United States, Valencia in Venezuela, Mainz in Germany, Bologna in Italy, and many other locations.

Valencia Cathedral has a seven-and-a-half-ton bell inside its tower called Miguel, named after the saint who is in charge of protecting the city from storms and evil. The Valencia Coat of Arms features a bat, an animal that is honoured in Valencian culture. According to legend, a bat woke Valencian soldiers during a heavy sleep, and their men were awake and prepared when the Muslims unexpectedly attacked the city during the same night. Supposedly, the legendary Holy Grail is conserved in Santa Maria Cathedral, and although its authenticity remains unconfirmed, it is one of the most interesting attractions in the city. Many schools in Valencia are bilingual, with Valencian taught as a second language, which is deemed important by locals. A popular beverage in the region is the ‘horchata de chufa’, a fresh plant milk drink served in multiple variations such as cinnamon and coconut, as well as traditional. They are often served with a ‘horchata’ flavoured pastry and is the perfect choice during the summer days. Valencia is the birth place of ‘Paella’, the famous Spanish dish, which is popular with locals and tourists. The two most common types of ‘paella’ are ‘valenciana’, (served with meat) which was invented in the city hence its name, and ‘marisco’ (served with seafood). The average hours of sunshine in Valencia is above average for the Southern half of Europe, with around 10 hours of sunshine a day in July, and 5 hours a day in December, an average of 2,660 hours a year, over 1,000 more than England. Valencia is an ideal location for those looking to move to Spain, as it offers a bit of something for everyone. Although not as large as other Spanish cities, Valencia would be a great place to start a new life, have a holiday home in, or retire to.