VALENCIA - SPAIN

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a captivating blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. The city, dating back to 138 BC, has seen various epochs, from Roman rule to Visigothic control, followed by Moorish dominion and, finally, the Reconquista by King James I of Aragon in 1238. Each era left an indelible imprint on Valencia, visible in the archaeological sites, the labyrinthine streets of the El Carmen district, and the magnificent Gothic-style structures such as the Silk Exchange and the Cathedral. Despite numerous conflicts over the centuries, the city experienced a period of expansion and modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adding to its architectural richness. In contemporary times, Valencia masterfully bridges its historical legacy with an eye towards the future. The City of Arts and Sciences, a breathtaking feat of modern architecture, perfectly symbolizes this transition.

Valencia greeted me with a vibrant energy, the layers of history manifesting in an astonishing architectural pastiche. The cobbled streets of the El Carmen district bore the fusion of Moorish and Gothic influences, while sunlit plazas showcased Modernista buildings from a bygone era. Soon, the bustling Mercado Central pulled me into its vibrant vortex; beneath its iconic Modernista roof, a sensory mosaic of vivid fruits, aromatic spices, and lively conversation unfolded. Meandering through the streets lined with orange trees, every corner presented a charming tableau of Valencia's life, merging old and new. The city wasn't just an array of historic architecture, a lively market, or enchanting streets; it was a soulful entity carrying the essence of its history while embracing the rhythm of the future, creating an indelible bond with me on my very first visit. Just like an anonymous quote: "Valencia - the city where the wind smells of oranges." Enjoy!

Thank you for traveling with me!

This is part of my ongoing travel visual clips, where I share a glimpse of my travel visuals and thoughts. Each series features a paragraph about the history of the place, followed by a paragraph describing my thoughts while exploring that place. Accompanied by no more than fifteen carefully curated images that I took, each series is intended to give you the umami of travel. - Julius Yls

_{I am currently working on Monochrome Fine Art Prints projects, and they are available at the following:
Fine Art Chromogenic Catalogue & Print: https://juliusyls.com/fineartprints/
Printed on Fine Metal: https://displate.com/juliusyls/blacknwhite?art=5bf904e078520
Tshirt prints: https://j50.threadless.com/collections/travel-in-monochrome/
Visit my STUDIO & GALLERY in Metaverse: https://spatial.io/rooms/61b846ebebd43a0001ee0b66?share=4759883995019245807}

[//]:# (!pinmapple 39.44498 lat -0.36151 long Valencia with Julius Yls d3scr)