Founded in 138 BC by the Romans as the colony of Valentia Edetanorum, Valencia has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia. The streets and plazas we recognize as the current city center actually form just the top layer of centuries of development, and you don’t have to dig too deep before encountering ruins — Arabic, Roman, or even Visigoth. This might complicate new construction projects in Valencia, but it’s also a vivid reminder of the city’s rich history.
It’s a difficult balancing act to honor the city’s history, while also pushing new projects forward. Recently, Valencia green-lit massive reconstructions of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Plaza de la Reina, as well as the entire area around the Mercado Central — arguably, the three most historic zones in the city. Inevitably, the crews dug up old ruins, each time putting construction on-hold until an excavation team could clear the area. The Ley de Patrimonio Histórico Español (“Spanish Law of Historic Patrimony”) requires that any significant archaeological discoveries be preserved.
If you’re interested in the city’s fascinating history, we recommend a visit to the L’Almoina: a subterranean museum that showcases the literal layers of Valencia’s history, while modern life continues unabated above its glass ceilings. Located right next to the city cathedral, this museum provides a fascinating insight into the various iterations of Valencia’s layout.
During our evening walks, we occasionally come across excavation teams evaluating new findings. Recently, we encountered a team working on a Moorish bath house right in the heart of El Carmen. We were able to get a glimpse of an old fountain decorated with ancient tiles. This random encounter made us appreciate how cool it is to live in a city that’s basically a giant open air museum.
From our Travel Blog.
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