VALENCIA – CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DESCRIPTION – Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences

Following catastrophic floodings in 1957, the river Turia diverted in the Southern section of the city and the old iver-bed, now dry, created a 10 km long park crossing the city center. It’s here that it has been decided to locate the new complex of the City of the Arts and Sciences, designed by Calatrava, on flat land on the right bank of the final stretch of what was once the river Turia.

The City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural whole comprising a Science Museum (El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe), a Planetarium (L’Hemisfèric), an Opera House (El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia), a Promenade (L’Umbracle) and a parking structure. Built between 1998 and 2003, the buildings are surrounded by shallow pools. Two streamlined bridges, also designed by Calatrava, cross the promenade between the Opera House and the Planetarium. Outside the water, Calatrava also used white concrete and shattered tiles to tie the various buildings together into a whole.

Closest to the city center, the 75m high Opera House acts as an urban landmark. The Planetarium occupies the center of the complex, like a colossal eye, its glass facades open to reveal the spherical theatre.

Discover this guided tour in Valencia and get to know why it is called the the City of Arts and Sciences by visiting the most famous places that are part of this project. Our tours are focused on architecture and urbanism and they are perfect for architecture lovers, experts and professionals as well as groups and student trips. Enjoy with Artchitectours guided visits around the world, made by professional guide-architects who will come along with us throughout the itinerary.