The City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)

The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences) in Valencia is a unique complex devoted to science and culture. It is comprised of the Hemisfèric (IMAX), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (interactive science), the Oceanográfico (aquarium), the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (Opera House), and the Umbracle (food and shops).

Valencia Old Town

We are back in Valencia for New Years Eve

Oliva Old Town

The Church of Santa Maria la Major was built over a previous church. The bell tower was built in 1683, but most of the church dates from 1706-1787. This is an example of Valencian neo-classical architecture.

The Church of Sant Roc was built on the site of a former Mosque. When the parish of Sant Roc was built in 1535, the Mosque was converted into a Christian church with a new style of architecture.

The Muslim area has very narrow, cobbled, and steep streets. Many of the roads are inaccesible to vehicles. The Moorish part of town is called El Raval Morisc.

Oliva Spain and the Mediterranean beaches

We took the train to Oliva, about 1 hour southeast of Valencia. The Mediterranean beaches of Nord, Burguera, and Terranova (over 6 miles of beach) are a 30 minute walk from the Oliva town plaza.