Valencia, << vuh LEHN shee uh >> (pop. 789,744), is the third largest city in Spain. Only Madrid and Barcelona have more people. Valencia lies on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The Turia River flows along the southwestern edge of the city to the Mediterranean.
Valencia is an important port and a railroad center. It carries on a large export trade in oranges and other fruits. Valencia is noted for its silk, colored tiles, tobacco, textiles, and iron and bronze wares. Other products made in the city include cars, cement, furniture, musical instruments, paper, toys, and perfumes and cosmetics.
The Romans built a settlement at Valencia in the 100’s B.C. Muslim people called Moors occupied the city during the Middle Ages (the 400’s through the 1400’s). Valencia’s architecture reflects Moorish and Christian traditions. The city has several medieval buildings, but much of the city is modern. The Torres de Serranos, a city gate built in the late Middle Ages, remains one of Valencia’s landmarks. After a severe flood in 1957, the Turia River was rerouted around Valencia. In the 1990’s, a cultural and amusement center called the City of Arts and Sciences was built on the old riverbed. The city is also home to the University of Valencia.
