Valencia is one the most beautiful cities along the Spanish mediterranean coast. It's the third most populated city after Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia is inevitably one of the most popular destinations for students thanks to its universities, the weather, the location, its history and its monuments, its museums, the social life, the people and the parties and nightlife.
If you are an Erasmus student, an exchange student, a Spanish student from another city, or if you are doing a work placement or studying your masters, there is no better place to study than Valencia. It doesn't matter how old you are, this is the perfect city for you. If you are reading this page it means that you are one of the lucky ones coming to Valencia!
Every year more than 3,000 students from all over the world come here for a semester abroad. The Valencian universities are some of the most important, biggest and most famous and well known internationally. These universities have taught many specialists from around the world. You are the future of your country and we hope that your stay in Valencia is a helping hand in becoming the best in your field and something that is even more important, ensuring that you have an invaluable life experience.
If you are an Erasmus student, an exchange student, a Spanish student from another city, or if you are doing a work placement or studying your masters, there is no better place to study than Valencia. It doesn't matter how old you are, this is the perfect city for you. If you are reading this page it means that you are one of the lucky ones coming to Valencia!
Every year more than 3,000 students from all over the world come here for a semester abroad. The Valencian universities are some of the most important, biggest and most famous and well known internationally. These universities have taught many specialists from around the world. You are the future of your country and we hope that your stay in Valencia is a helping hand in becoming the best in your field and something that is even more important, ensuring that you have an invaluable life experience.
But we already know that there is more to life than studying, working and committments. During your stay you will have free time, you will travel, meet lots of new people from all over the world, you will have make friends who will become friends for life.
Are you ready for the adventure of your life?
Happy Erasmus will help you with everything: getting to know the city, learning a new language, travelling to all the corners of the Valencian Community and Spain, Portugal and Morocco, going to parties at the best clubs, spenidng incredible days on the beaches, lakes and rivers. And of course always being accompanied by your new friends.
All that's left to say is WELCOME TO VALENCIA - YOUR NEW CITY!
A little of Valencia's history
Valencia's history begins in the distant past. It should be noted that by the Bronze Age Valencia was already inhabited. Since then many people have lived here.
Valencia was founded in 138AC by the Roman Empire, who named it Valentía. The new colony experienced a rapid cultural and commercial developpment, to a large extent thanks to the Via Augusta (Via Herculea) a roman road crossing all of Spain that people used to come to Valencia.
After the Romans the city was under the Visigoths dominion, which negatively affected their development, to the point where it completely stopped.
However, this all changed after the conquest of Valencia by the Muslims in 718. This conquest can be condsidered as a turning point in the city's history, that had already started to quickly grow. During the reign of Califato Cordobés, the total population of Valencia was around 15,000. However, the economic and cultural prosperity of the city was recorded in the 11th Century when Valencia was named the capital of the United Arab States. In 1093 Valencia was conquered by the Spanish national hero - El Cid - however his power did not last long and nine years later the city was conquered by the Arabs again.
In 1238 the army of King James I put a definitive end to the domination of the Arabs, reconquering Valencia after fierce battles.
The rich history of Valencia has truly significant moments. The city, known since ancient times for its fertile soil, mild climate and favorable geographic position, was often at the point of contention between empires.
Although the reign of the Muslims lasted five long centuries, nowadays there is no sign of this era. However, there are historical sources that suggest that in those days they created an almost perfect system of reign even by todays standards. After the definitive end of the arabs in Valencia the city was in decline since the Arabs formed a third of the population.
Valencia was then governed by the Crown of Aragon and became the capital of the kingdom with the same name, the Kingdom of Valencia. Since then the city started to grow rapidly, reaching it's height one century later in the 1500's. At one point the city was one of the most powerful and influential in the Mediterranean. It was during this time that the most beautiful buildings were built such as the Asamblea de la Ciudad, the Lonja, and the Cathedral Palace, and the strong defense walls that surround the city.
However, with time, the walls of Valencia were demolished. Nowadays only the doors to the city remain - the Serranos towers (from the 14th Century) and the Quart towers (from the 15th Century). Even more remains from this great medieval era such as the well preserved narrow streets and the urabn development of the old town, Carmen.
Tourist sites of Valencia
There are many things to see in this city, here is a list of the must see points of interest and you can find more information on What to visit in Valencia.
In the centre: Barrio del Carmen, PLaza de la Virgen, La Catedral de Valencia, Plaza del Mercado, La Lonja de la Seda, Las Torres de Serrano, Las torres de Quart, Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The city of arts and sciences)
Los Jardines del Turia y sus Puentes (The Turia gardens and its bridges)
Oceanográfic y Bioparc
Parque Natural de Albufera (Albufera natural park)
Marina Real y playas de Valencia (The marina and beaches of Valencia)
HAPPY ERASMUS WISHES YOU AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY IN VALENCIA AND THAT YOU THOROUGHLY ENJOY YOUR NEW CITY!!
