Over time, Valencia’s cultural identity continued to expand to be shaped by events that were both grand and subtle. During the 15th century, known as the Golden Age of Valencia, the city became and emerged as a major Mediterranean trading power. It became a city with commerce, and with the help of the silk industry flourishing, the city of Valencia had widespread wealth and prestige to its name. A perfect example of showing the wealth and prestige of a city is La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange). It is a remarkable building that stands as a Gothic architectural masterpiece, and it symbolizes prosperity. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a real testament to Valencia’s once-thriving mercantile spirit of the 15th century. 

La Lonja de La Seda

Want to know more about La Lonja

First Printed Book in Valencia

Also in the 15th century, the rise of the printing press had its roots in Valencia. This aims more towards professors who love their history and are curious about the first published book in Valencia. In 1473, Valencia became the first city in the Iberian Peninsula to publish a printed book. This further established a reputation as a center for humanist thought and literary production during the Renaissance period.

Printing Press

Of course, there have always been upheavals in history. The War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century resulted in the loss of Valencia’s autonomy and the abolition of its regional laws under the Nueva Planta. This was an important turning point in Spain’s history because the city’s political identity changed as it became a more centralized Spanish state. 

Let’s fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries, and Valencia is once again at the crossroads of history. During the Spanish Civil War, Valencia served as the capital of the Republican government from 1936 to 1937. During the war, Valencia experienced extensive bombing by Italian and German forces aligned with Franco, which left infrastructures heavily damaged. The legacy of the Civil War remains embedded in the city’s collective memory. With its Civil War-era architecture and some underground air raid shelters spread throughout the city of Valencia. Valencia underwent considerable modernization, with the demolition of medieval walls, where you can see the emergence of Modernisme, a Catalan version of Art Nouveau, which included architecture across the city of Valencia. A regional exhibition was hosted in Valencia in 1909, showcasing the city’s industrial, agricultural, and artistic achievements. 

Modernisme

What’s Modernisme? Click here

After the war and Spain’s transition away from a dictatorship in the 1970s, the city of Valencia enjoyed its autonomy again. This includes its parliament and official use of the Valencian language, Catalan. In more recent decades, Valencia has experienced a cultural and architectural renaissance, with projects that are both interesting to professors and students. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a futuristic complex of museums, theaters, and an oceanarium that demonstrates Valencia’s commitment to innovation, science, and the arts.

Ciudad de las Artes y Las Ciencias

Futuristic Building??

Valencia demonstrates those qualities by having festivities like La Falla. This festival is important to the Valencian culture, they were declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The festival is usually held in March when large monuments called “fallas” come out and are built with combustible materials. 

Las Fallas

More information about the famous Las Fallas… Right Here

For students and professors looking for the perfect study abroad location, come explore Valencia, a city rich in history and culture. It is located on the Mediterranean coast but is also deeply ingrained in Western civilization. Valencia has more than 2,150 years of constant human settlement and therefore provides a deep, authentic educational environment. For those interested in history, literature, architecture, religious studies, or cultural anthropology, this city provides an intensive, hands-on learning environment.

The origins of Valencia start in 138 B.C.E., when Decimus Junius Brutus, the Roman consul, gave his soldiers land as a reward for their campaigns in Hispania. Located strategically on a bend in the Turia River, close to the Via Augusta, the old Roman roadway that linked southern Spain and Italy, was this early Roman town named Valentia. Today, residents and tourists of Valencia are practically stepping on layers of history as they travel the streets. Archaeologists discovered the city’s Roman forum, a hub of civic and political life, under the Plaza de la Virgen. These old structures are being maintained at the Almoina Archaeological Museum, where visitors can see mosaics, baths, and even the remnants of a Roman circus that once entertained 10,000 audience members.

Almoina Archaeological Museum

However, Valentia’s past didn’t always stay peaceful. The city fell into ruin after supporting the losing general in the Roman civil war between Sertorius and Pompey in 75 B.C. It wouldn’t reappear until the 2nd century C.E., where it thrived under Caesar Augustus and developed into a wealthy Roman colony that was referenced by Pliny the Elder and other writers. From street names to underground remains, Valencia’s Roman past continues to shape certain elements of the city’s design and character today.

After Rome fell, Valencia saw a period of religious change known as the Visigothic period, which is evident in locations such as the Crypt of Saint Vincent, a site of early Christian martyrs. Afterwards, Valencia became Balansiya in 714 C.E. because of the Muslim conquest. Instead of razing the city, Muslim rulers brought in sophisticated irrigation systems and set up organizations such as the Water Tribunal, which continues to convene every Thursday outside the cathedral to settle irrigation conflicts through an oral law system that dates back a millennium.

Tribunal de las Aguas

Amid the Christian-Muslim battles in the 11th century, Valencia was seized by the fabled Spanish hero El Cid. James I of Aragon’s capture of the city in 1238, however, signaled the complete Christian reconquest and the most significant shift. The city’s primary mosque was transformed into a cathedral, La Seu de València, and laws such as the Furs of Valencia formed the foundation for one of the most progressive legal charters of medieval Spain.

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia serves as an active timeline of Europe’s most significant civilizations, including Roman forums, Islamic craftsmanship, and Christian Gothic cathedrals. Visiting Valencia allows both professors and students to establish a connection with history through authentic ruins, streets, and continuous culture.

Valencia is more than just a study abroad location; it’s a living archive, no matter if you’re a professor establishing a faculty-led course on Mediterranean empires or a student interested in learning more about multicultural cooperation.

For students interested in cuisine, Valencia follows a rich Mediterranean style. On the savory side, Valencian dishes are known for containing fresh vegetables, different meats, seafood, spices and rice. One of their most commonly known dishes is Paella which originated in Valencia. On the sweeter side, Valencia has an abundance of fresh fruits which can be found in pastries and flatbreads. 

1. Frutas de Sant Donis

Craving something sweet? If so, this Valencian sweet is for you! Frutas de Sant Donis is a traditional Valencian dessert with colorful marzipans shaped like fruits. This dessert can usually be found on the 9th of October in Valencia. The 9th of October is “El Día de la Comunidad Valenciana,” which is an important local holiday in Valencia where many public celebrations are held to celebrate regional pride.

Want to learn more about the El Día de la Comunidad Valenciana? Click here

2. Buñuelos de calabaza

Missing a taste of America? Try Buñuelos de calabaza! These pumpkin fritters are a very popular dish in Valencia during the Fallas festival. Come with your friends and immerse yourself into the Valencia culture by attending the festival and picking up some yummy treats while you’re at it! They are a traditional Spanish dish made from pumpkin, flour and an abundance of spices. The origins of this dish can be traced way back to medieval Spain where it was served as a treat to the upper class.

Want the recipe? Click here

3. Horchata

In need of a refreshment as a study break? Valencia is the perfect spot to grab a Horchata! This is one of Spains most famous non-alcoholic drinks, it is sweet and creamy and will have you obsessed and wanting more! It is made from ground chufa nuts, water, cinnamon and sugar and is like nothing you’ve tasted before! In Valencia, this drink is commonly enjoyed with “fartons” which are long donut like pastries. The Chufa Sedge originally made its way to Spain during the Al-Andalus caliphate, but this plant has been used throughout history since Ancient Egyptians ruled.

Want to know more about Horchata and how to make it? Click here

4. Coques

This sweet or savory flatbread is the perfect pick me up in between classes! Run by a café to grab a Coques! This popular flatbread can be filled with all sorts of delicious nuts and candied fruit or even vegetables and anchovies! This recipe is so amazing because of the how versatile it can be. This dish can be served in a variety of ways making it the perfect dish for any occasion. This traditional Spanish flatbreads called the “Coques de Dacsa” are very similar to a Mexican tortilla. They are made with wheat flour, cornflour, olive oil and salt. This pastry is commonly seen in Valencia and Catalonia Spain. Look for cafes that serve “cocas” to try this delicious dish!

Want the recipe for the Coques de Dasca? Click here

5. Fartons

This tasty dish typically found in the Valencian town of Alboraia and commonly enjoyed with Horchata. This sweet pastry is glazed with a sweet sugar and is a must try. While you’re in the town of Alboraia it is important to grab a Horchata and a traditional Farton. This Spanish pastry is a staple in Valencia and the Spanish culture. Fartons are made from a yeasted dough with eggs, milk, sugar, oil and glazed with a sugary syrup.

Want the recipe for Fartons? Click here

6. Paella

Paella Valenciana one of Valencia’s most known dishes will have you obsessed and wanting more. This dish was originated in Valencia and is a stable in the Vlalencian culture. Paella can be found all over Valencia in different variations. There is Vlaencian Paella, seafood paella and mixed paella. These variations range from being made with chicken and rabbit to seafood and vegetables. This dish contains meat mixed with rice, flavorful spices and vegetables.

Want a recipe for Paella Valenciana? Click here