What is Valencia famous for

Asks mikespatetti

A. Valencia is most famous for paella (the national rice and seafood based dish), which originates here; Orxata an earth-almond milk, made into a drink; its oranges and of course its football team.

Q. What is the population of Valencia

A. Valencia is the third largest city in Spain (after Madrid and Barcelona), with a population of approximately one million inhabitants.

Q. How old is Valencia

A. Valencia was founded in 138BC by Juni Brut.

Q. What does it have to attract the tourists

A. Surprisingly, it does not attract that many tourists most likely because most visitors to the area go there to be beside the beaches of nearby Costa Blanca. However, for sightseers, there is quite a lot to see:

Valencia Cathedral: built between 1381 and 1424 this is the most famous and impressive building in the city, it has a 51 metre high tower, known locally as El Miquelet (or Little Michael). It used to be a mosque (twice) but has remained a Catholic cathedral since the reign of Jaume 1.

Cervantes Memorial: Miguel Cervantes, author of Don Quixote among other classics, is Valencia’s most famous son.

Central Market: the city's central market (the largest covered market in Europe) can be found on Placa del Mercat in the heart of the city centre. The entrance to the market was built from 1910 to 1928 in a Modernist style and stands out against neighbouring and older architecture. It is a great meeting place and the fresh fish, fruit and vegetables on offer here are second to none - so it's a great place to stock up if you are staying in self-catering accommodation. As Valencia is situated in the most fertile region of Spain its fresh produce is always impressive - and you never see it look so good in the UK.

Palacio del Marqus de Dos Aguas: this amazing baroque building is an outrageous mass of extravagant sculpture both inside and out and a must for any visitor.

Silk Exchange (Llotja de la Seda): silk and textile trading was extremely important to the Valencian economy in the 17th and 18th Century- with much business taking place within the confines of this Gothic building, it is located beside the central market and well worth a visit if you're interested in local history.

Torres de Quart: is a medieval tower that dates back to 1441 and is all that remains from the original city walls that surrounded the city.

Nuestra Seora de los Desamparados: is a small but very impressive church near the Archbishop's Palace where thousands of candles constantly burn in front of the image of the Virgin, patron of Valencia.

Institut Valencia d'Art Modern (IVAM): is home to modern art in the city - famed for its photography exhibitions and the sculptures by Julio Gonzalez.

Museo Provincial de Belles Artes: is one of the best museums in Spain and contains works by El Greco, Goya, Velzquez and a number of Valencian impressionists.

Colegio del Patriarca: formerly part of the university, this building now houses a small art museum with works by El Greco, Morales and Ribalta.

Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe: this is one of the most impressive modern buildings in the city and is home to a science museum, an Imax theatre, a laser theatre and an aquarium.

Valencia Harbour: Valencia boasts one of the largest harbours in the Mediterranean.

Q. What happened to the river that used to run through the city

A. The river (River Turia) was re-routed around the city after a disastrous flood in 1957, so you will often see the weird sight of bridges over parks or dry riverbeds, and no water in sight.

Q. When is the best time to visit the city

A. Uniquely, Valencia is busiest during the winter months as it hosts many international business conferences - so it a great place to visit during the summer, especially as it has a great beach (Malvarossa Beach). The local feast day of St Joseph is celebrated on 19th March, known as Las Fallas, when "falla" or papier-mache sculptures are burnt in the streets, among other celebrations - and is a great time to visit. Most locals take their holidays for the month of August, so the city is very quiet and empty.

Q. Where can I find accommodation online for Valencia

A. One of the best sites is All Travel Spain - it has a wide range of accommodation from camping to luxury hotels.

You can take a virtual tour of Valencia online at www.virtourist.com/europe/valencia.

If you have any other Travel related questions, please click here

By Karen Anderson