The City of Arts and Sciences is a string of stunning architectural jewels in the centre of the Spanish city of Valencia (map). Designed by Santiago Calatrava (one of my favourite architects) and Félix Candela, the City of Arts and Sciences is a modern cultural and entertainment complex built on the old riverbed of the Turia river. The complex is composed of a series of buildings, pools and elevated walkways. The striking white façades of the buildings form a striking contrast to the cool blue pools and the often cloudless azure blue Valencian sky. Of the series of buildings, my absolute favourite is the El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía with its futuristic fish-like mouth. If you don’t have the time to visit one of the exhibits or attend a concert in the buildings, a stroll around the complex is more than worthwhile and affords many excellent photo opportunities.
The City of Arts and Sciences (website) truly is a magnificent architectural marvel, definitely one of the top things to do in Valencia. Please scroll down to view some of the many photos I took during my tour of this awesome complex.
City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences by night
L’Oceanogràfic
The City of Arts and Sciences is also home to the L’Oceanogràfic, the Valencia Aquarium. It’s a vast complex with outdoor pools and underground aquariums connected by tunnels. It’s definitely one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve ever visited!
Read about my visit to L’Oceanogràfic and Bioparc.
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Thanks Mark. The City of Arts & Sciences is an absolute highlight of Valencia, but so are the beaches, the festivals, the old town and the FOOD! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Great post Keith! I was in Valencia several years ago during their annual “Las Fallas” festival and was blown away by the city. Too bad I was only there for a couple of days…by the looks of things, I missed a whole lot. Oh well, gotta make it back there soon! 🙂
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Really cool pictures! I love this complex. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of my favorite architects. And Valencia is a beautiful city on itself.
Breath taking photos!
[…] the accompanying post: ‘An Architectural Marvel in Valencia‘ Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 Europe TAGS: city, […]
YES … thrilled this post was featured in http://www.flipboard.com ’s promo video. So cool!
Thanks Clare! Absolutely thrilled this post was featured in http://www.flipboard.com ‘s promo video. So cool! 🙂
Damn fine pictures Mr Jenkins!
I’ve heard about this place, and have seen a few images. But these photographs REALLY wet my appetite and now I want to go there even more! I planned to just see Barcelona when I am in Spain in the Spring, but I will have to add Valencia. Thanks for writing about the City of Arts and Sciences!
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Very cool! I’m always amazed at how people come up with these ideas before construction. The reflections on the water really add to the appeal.
VALENCIA IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY
;-))