1.The real meaning of paella: it’s not food
Unlike what many people think, paella is not the dish, but the cooking pan in which it is prepared. Traditionally, people spoke of ‘arroz a la paella’, referring to the rice cooked in that large, shallow pan. If you visit the Albufera, the birthplace of this dish, you will discover that paella rice was cooked with simple, local ingredients such as vegetables or seafood.
If you want to explore deeper this Valencian curiosity, a visit to the Albufera, a beautiful natural spot on the outskirts of the city, is a must. In the rural areas near the Albufera is where the authentic paella rice was born. It was a simple, humble dish, prepared with the ingredients available from the nearby fields and vegetable gardens. Originally, the recipe varied according to the season and could include anything from fresh vegetables to rabbit meat.
Today, the Albufera is not only known for its impressive biodiversity and spectacular sunsets, but also for being the birthplace of authentic paella. Here, in the restaurants by the lagoons, you can enjoy Valencia’s most representative dish in its most traditional setting.
2.It is home to the largest aquarium in Europe
Valencia is home to Europe’s largest aquarium: the Oceanogràfic, an architectural and scientific marvel that forms part of the City of Arts and Sciences. This iconic aquarium spans 110,000 square metres and is home to more than 500 aquatic species, from tiny tropical fish to majestic sharks. Divided into different habitats representing the world’s major marine ecosystems, such as the oceans, temperate seas, the Arctic and the Antarctic, the Oceanogràfic offers a unique immersive experience.
One of the aquarium’s most special attractions is the presence of beluga whales, fascinating animals due to their white colour and playful behaviour. These are the only beluga whales that can be seen in an aquarium in the whole of Europe, making the Oceanogràfic a must-see for lovers of marine fauna. In addition to the beluga whales, the aquarium is home to dolphins, penguins, sea turtles, jellyfish and a wide variety of sharks, including the imposing bull sharks.
The Oceanogràfic not only stands out for its size and diversity, but also for its focus on conservation and environmental education. Through interactive exhibits and educational programmes, the aquarium seeks to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and encouraging greater respect for the environment.
3.Is the Valencia Moon (esp. “Luna de Valencia”) different from the others?
The expression “Estar en la Luna de Valencia” is one of the most curious and ancient phrases in the Spanish language. Although nowadays it is used to refer to someone who is distracted, absent-minded or in their own world, its origin is deeply rooted in the history of the city of Valencia.
During the Middle Ages, Valencia was protected by an imposing city wall with several gates that allowed people to enter and leave the city. These gates were closed at a specific time each night as a security measure to prevent raids or looting. If an inhabitant or visitor arrived late and did not manage to enter before the gates closed, he or she remained outside the city walls, on the outside of the city.
Those who stayed outside had to spend the night in the open, waiting for the gates to reopen at dawn. Without shelter and with the only company of the starry sky and the moon, the unfortunate were left ‘en la Luna de Valencia’ (in the moon of Valencia). This was an unwanted place, where one could be vulnerable and isolated. That’s how the expression was born, which over time was transformed to refer to a person who, like those outside the walls, seems to be out of context or in another world.
Today, although the wall no longer exists and the city of Valencia has changed enormously, the expression lives on in popular language as a legacy of that medieval era.
4.The carpenters originated the Fallas
Las Fallas, one of Spain’s most impressive and renowned festivities, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, has its humble origins in the carpenters’ workshops of Valencia. It all began as a simple tradition: on the eve of Saint Joseph’s Day, the patron saint of carpenters, these craftsmen would burn the remains of wood and old junk that were no longer of use to them in the streets. It was a symbolic way of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring, purifying everything unnecessary with fire.
Over time, these bonfires evolved. Carpenters, known for their woodworking skills, began to create rudimentary figures, ‘ninots,’ depicting satirical scenes or criticisms of society, politics or current events. Thus, what began as a practical tidying up of workshops became a unique artistic and cultural expression, with increasingly elaborate monuments being built throughout the year to be burned in the ‘Cremà,’ the spectacular climax of the Fallas.
Today, the festival is much more than just a simple burning of figures: it is a celebration of Valencian identity, a display of creativity, tradition and community. The streets are filled with colour, music, gunpowder and art, as the gigantic Fallas monuments, some up to 20 metres high, are admired by locals and tourists alike before their inevitable fate: the flames.
5.The first literary work in print
Valencia stands out not only for its rich history and traditions, but also for its pioneering role in the history of Spanish literature. In 1474, the city became the place where the first literary work in Spanish was printed, an achievement that marked a turning point in the dissemination of written culture on the Iberian Peninsula. The text in question, entitled “Obres o trobes en lahors de la Verge Maria”, was a collection of poems dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and its printing placed Valencia at the forefront of the technology of the time: the printing press.
This milestone not only consolidated Valencia as a cultural centre of great importance in the 15th century, but also underlined the city’s commitment to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. The introduction of the printing press allowed literature and knowledge to reach a much wider public, transforming the way in which ideas were shared and written works were preserved.
Valencia’s reputation as a literary and cultural city did not stop there. In the centuries that followed, the city continued to be a benchmark in the production and promotion of literary works, contributing to Spain’s rich literary heritage. So, as you stroll through the streets of Valencia, you will not only be walking through a city of festivals and gastronomy, but also through the place that opened the doors to the printing of Spanish literature.
6.The Holy Grail in Valencia
Valencia is a city full of history and legend, and one of the most fascinating is the belief that the Holy Grail, the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper, is found in Valencia Cathedral. This claim has attracted numerous pilgrims and onlookers over the centuries, making the cathedral a place of great religious and cultural importance.
The chalice currently on display in the cathedral is known as the Cáliz de la Catedral de Valencia, and its history is as intriguing as the legend of the Holy Grail itself. According to research, this chalice has had a remarkable history, passing through the hands of several monarchs and historical figures. It is said to have been used by King Alfonso the Magnanimous in the 15th century, who brought it to Valencia after the conquest of Sardinia. Since then, it has been in the city, kept in a small chapel inside the cathedral.
The Valencia Chalice has been the subject of numerous studies and debates about its authenticity. Some researchers believe that it may indeed be the Holy Grail, while others argue that its origin is less mystical. However, regardless of its authenticity, the chalice has acquired a symbolic value that attracts devotees and tourists alike. When you visit Valencia Cathedral, you will not only be able to admire the impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the building, but you will also have the opportunity to contemplate this relic that has inspired myths and legends throughout history.
So, if you find yourself in Valencia, be sure to visit the cathedral and explore the story behind the Holy Grail. Whether you are a fervent believer or just a curious explorer, this corner of the city will connect you with the past and the stories that have shaped Valencia’s rich culture.
7.Valencia, the city with the most traffic lights per inhabitant
Valencia, known for its sunshine, vibrant culture and Mediterranean beaches, also holds a lesser-known record: it is the city with the most traffic lights per inhabitant in Spain. With approximately 1,100 traffic light-regulated intersections for a population of around 700,000 people, the dense network of traffic signals is part of everyday life for drivers and pedestrians alike.
This curious fact may come as a surprise to first-time visitors to the city, as the network of traffic lights seems omnipresent, regulating traffic at every turn. Although it may sometimes seem excessive, the large number of traffic lights serves a purpose: to ensure safety on the roads for both drivers and pedestrians. Valencia, with its intense urban life and busy streets, prioritises traffic flow and the protection of its citizens.
What is interesting is that, worldwide, only New York outperforms Valencia in this respect. This gives it a cosmopolitan feel and highlights the city’s focus on order and road safety, making Valencia a place where respect for traffic rules is a key feature. So, if you find yourself waiting at many traffic lights as you explore the city, you know why!
8.The oldest court in operation
Valencia is home to one of the oldest and most unique institutions in the world: El Tribunal de las Aguas, a court that has been in operation for over a thousand years. This court is not just a vestige of the past, but remains a vital element in the management of water and agriculture in the region. Every Thursday at noon, in front of the Apostles’ Gate of the Cathedral, a group of judges, known as the “Jurados de Aguas”, meet to resolve disputes related to irrigation among the farmers of the Huerta de Valencia.
The functioning of this court is truly unique: it does not use written laws, but relies on oral tradition and common sense. Farmers present their cases to juries, who listen attentively and issue a decision that must be respected by all parties involved. This form of mediation has fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers, ensuring sustainable and equitable use of water resources.
So, if you’re in Valencia on a Thursday lunchtime, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this unique event. You will witness a legacy that has endured over the centuries and remains a symbol of the region’s agricultural tradition and community.
9.“Las Meninas” were here
Valencia played a crucial role during the Spanish Civil War, becoming a refuge for some of the country’s most emblematic works of art. Among these works was “Las Meninas”, Diego Velázquez’s celebrated painting that captures the essence of the 17th century Spanish court. To protect this masterpiece from bombardment, the decision was taken to move it from the Prado Museum to the Torres de Serranos, one of the old city gates.
Dating from the 14th century, the Serranos Towers are not only an impressive example of Gothic architecture, but also served as a bastion of defence and an entry point to the city. During the war, this historic monument became an unexpected refuge for ‘Las Meninas’. The decision to shelter the painting in the towers was a testament to the importance of culture and artistic heritage to society, even in times of conflict.
Velázquez’s work, which shows the Infanta Margarita Teresa surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, a dog and other court figures, remained in the Serranos Towers for a significant period of time. The choice of this place as her refuge was both symbolic and practical; the towers, with their solid structure, offered greater protection from the threat of bombardment. This action highlighted the courage and determination of those who worked to preserve Spain’s cultural heritage, despite the odds.
Today, “Las Meninas” remains one of the most studied and admired paintings in the history of art, and the story of its refuge in Valencia adds an extra layer of significance. By visiting the Serranos Towers, travellers can not only enjoy the architectural beauty of the site, but also reflect on the important role Valencia played in safeguarding its cultural heritage during one of the most turbulent periods of its history.
So, if you find yourself in Valencia, be sure to explore the Serranos Towers and remember the history behind these walls, where one of Spain’s most beloved masterpieces found a moment of salvation in a time of chaos.
