5 Fun Facts About Valencia

If you’re struggling with choosing your next holiday destination, we have a wonderful recommendation for you: Valencia, Spain. Perfect for romantic getaways, family trips, or solo travels, Valencia is a beautiful Spanish city that boasts a number of different things to do and see.

You can experience the authentic charm of this incredible city and its culture with our top small Spain group tour. Explore bustling streets, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture, then unwind on sandy beaches and savor delicious cuisine. Valencia offers something for everyone, from its lively nightlife to its diverse attractions.

In fact, here are 5 interesting facts about Valencia to entice you to visit this city:

The city was founded by the Romans

Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain, with a history that spans over 2,000 years. In 138 B.C., it was founded by the Romans – a gift for the legionaries of Consul Decimus Junius Brutus. Over the centuries, it has seen diverse change, and is now a culturally rich city that’s full of character. With a cruise on P&O Arvia, you can explore this beautiful city (and other countries) in comfort and luxury, so you definitely don’t want to miss out on a cruise holiday that takes you here!

It is known as the City of the Holy Grail

In Valencia Cathedral (also known as the Chapel of the Holy Grail), you can view the famous Holy Grail, a chalice (the Santo Cáliz/Holy Chalice) that is said to have been used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. This relic is officially recognised by the Vatican (even used ceremonially by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI), which is why Valencia has been deemed the City of the Holy Grail. 

Not only is this a must-see for tourists, but pilgrims from all over the world travel to Valencia for a glimpse of this ancient relic. 

It has two official languages

The two official languages that are spoken in Valencia are Spanish and Valencian, the latter of which is a dialect of Catalan. Although Spanish is most likely to be the predominant language that you might hear within the city, Valencian is still used by the locals, and worth learning a bit about, if you’re interested in visiting the area. Some people might refer to Valencian as Catalan, but Catalan in Valencia is not the same as Catalan in Catalonia!

The world’s first psychiatric hospital was founded here

In 1410, Valencia’s Asylum was established, the first psychiatric hospital in the Western world. A priest, Padre Joan Gilabert Jofré, backed by the Church and King Martin of Aragon, founded this asylum, known then as the Hospital dels Ignocens, or the Hospital of the Holy Innocents (dedicated to the Virgin Mary). 

After the Hospital of Innocents, more psychiatric hospitals were built across Spain to provide treatment to the mentally ill.

Nowadays, it is known as the Hospital General Universitario, or the University Teaching Hospital.

The city has its own Valentine’s Day

The world celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14th, but Valencia also celebrates its own local Valentine’s Day, or Saint Dionís Day, on October 9th. Expect to see lovers (which can include you and your partner) exchanging mocadorà – decorated (usually fruit-shaped) marzipan sweets wrapped in silk handkerchiefs! 

Saint Dionís is the patron saint of the people in love, so it’s very fitting that Valencians choose to celebrate love on the feast of Saint Dionís!