The City of Arts and Sciences – in Valencia

I really loved this complex in Valencia, set in the Turia Gardens away from the old town. It’s a photographer’s dream but it needs to be seen against a clear blue sky, so I had to seize my opportunity to get out early one morning when the sun was shining.

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Other than wandering round it briefly, I can’t say that we really did it justice, as apart from the Oceanographic, we didn’t enter any of the buildings. Nevertheless, you don’t need to spend money to enjoy it – simply take time to admire the amazing architecture, cool blue pools and metal sculptures in the gardens.

If you want to do more you can take your pick from the concert hall in the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, L’Hemisferic which is an IMAX cinema, the interactive science museum in Museo de Ciences Principe Felipe and L’Umbracle, a shaded walk with plants from around the world.

I’ve heard it likened to a parking lot for space-ships or a graveyard of dinosaur bones and the struts of the L’Umbracle reminded me of a latticework of fish bones.

The architect, Santiago Calatrava is a local boy from Valencia although these days he’s to be found designing grand public projects all over the world. His trademark is the white, broken tiles which you see everywhere from benches to staircases and which glint like sequins in the sun.

The place is a magnet for every coach party and school trip in the area, so try and visit early or late in the day, when the crowds have gone home. It looks wonderful lit up at night.

For a handy guide to the City of Arts and Sciences click here

For the official website of the City of Arts and Sciences click here

To see all my photos on Flickr of the City of Arts and Sciences click here

Check for the best hotel prices in Valencia and book here

More Valencia articles to enjoy

L’Oceanographic in Valencia
La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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