History of the Turia Gardens



It should perhaps be pointed out that this is not an area of landscaped gardens, but 9 kilometers of greenery that features a variety of fountains, monuments and buildings along the sides. The Turia Gardens have rather an unusual history as they were actually born out of a disaster. In 1957 the Turia River (Rio Turia) burst its banks flooding parts of the city causing loss of life and devastation. Following this catastrophe the route of the river was diverted. Due to all the water and the soil in the river bed once the course of the flow had been altered, greenery began to flourish in its place. These gardens may have been created out of a local catastrophe, but the results have actually produced something rather beautiful.

Gardens with a Difference

After the flood and the change in the river flow and once the river bed began to dry out, a decision was made to develop the area. Today, this is a popular part of Valencia that always seems to be busy with people streaming along the pathways. Combining walkways, parks and museums among other treasures, the Turia gardens contain a wealth of culture and leisure. A walk along the Turia river bed is not like taking a stroll in any old park as this delightful area is steeped with places of art and culture. A visit to the Turia Gardens is considered by many as a great way to escape the bustle and noise of city life. Whether this form of amusement involves a glance at the trees, a walk across one of the bridges, a place for children to play or a visit to a cultural site or concert hall, this area is a delight for locals and for visitors alike. In addition to playgrounds and sports areas, fields and parks, various monuments and museums adorn this area, culminating in one of the major sites and highlights of the Turia river bed that is the City of Arts and Sciences. This center is situated in the river bed itself.

Different standards and types of accommodation are available in the close vicinity of the Turia Gardens. Selecting a vacation room near this area enables the visitor to spend plenty of time enjoying walking in this delightful area and thereby soaking in the atmosphere of the very heart of Valencia and its people. Travelers may choose a place to stay out of a choice of alternatives in Valencia that range from luxury hotels to rented accommodation.

The city of Valencia provides an attractive vacation location for travelers. Among all the sites available, tourists to Valencia should not and can not miss out on a visit to the Turia Gardens.