History of Valencia
Valencia’s coastline had been settled by traders long before the Roman city of Valencia was founded here in 138BC. It was a modest settlement and it wasn’t until the 12th century that it began to prosper. 
Under Adb al-Aziz ibn Abi Amir, it became one of the mightiest cities of Al-Andalus. Briefly conquered by El Cid in 1094, it finally fell to the armies of the Reconquista, who resettled the land with Catalan and Aragonese families.
The 15th century was Valencia’s Golden Age, a time of prosperous economic growth, vast building projects and excellence in the arts. But the expulsion of the Moors in 1609 heralded financial disaster; the city lost almost 40% of its population. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Valencia made a comeback, making its fortune with silk, agricultural produce, and ceramics. It was briefly the headquarters of the Republican government during the Civil War, and is now the seat of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. Spain’s third largest city is situated in the middle of the huerta: a fertile plain of orange groves and market gardens, which is one of Europe’s most intensively farmed regions. With its warm coastal climate, Valencia is known for its exuberant outdoor living and nightlife.
