The Region of Valencia has a long history, forged over the millennia. Since as far back as the rupestrian paintings found in caves and on rocky walls, declared World Heritage, these lands have been culturally influenced by Iberians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims.
The modern Region of Valencia dates from the 12th century, when Valencia was conquered from the Arabs by the Aragonese king Jaime I, who created its own jurisdictional regime to govern and administer the Kingdom of Valencia. From then on, different periods are reflected by its different monuments in artistic styles such as Gothic – a highlight being Valencia’s Lonja (Commodity Exchange), declared World Heritage -, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau, and they have left a lasting impression on their cities. Buildings that stand in perfect harmony with the Avant-Garde architecture of the 21st century, spearheaded by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, who has created some of his most significant works in his home city.
The Region of Valencia has an extensive network of museums, with the Valencian Institute of Modern Art in Valencia as the main exponent of 20th century Avant-Garde art, and the Alicante Archaeology Museum as a counterpoint and complement to the huge cultural variety it has on offer. The Castellón Cultural complex has five areas to promote the cultural life of Castellón, which has already become a reference-point in supporting artistic and cultural policies.
Apart from artistic heritage, history has also left its mark on traditions and customs, characterized by light, gunpowder, music, fire… as typical elements of almost all its festivals. The Fallas, the Bonfires of San Juan, spectacular performances in the Moors and Christians festivals, religious festivals such as the Misteri d'Elx, pilgrimages in festivals of La Magdalena or in Les Useres, are examples of the celebrations in a festival atmosphere that you experience in the streets, and where visitors are always given a warm welcome, another feature of this meeting-place, the Region of Valencia.
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