From my seat on the pontoon boat, I squeal in excitement at the splinter of gray I see in the distance. I almost missed it, despite the attempts of my fellow travelers to aim my gaze, but the flapping ears give him away.
25.07.2023 - 10:37 / matadornetwork.com
When ancient Romans founded Valencia, Spain, the city was built around the Turia River. The Turia River no longer runs through Valencia. In its place, a beautiful urban park snakes more than five-and-a-half miles through Spain’s third-largest city.
The history of the park, Jardín del Turia, began with a tragedy. In 1957, a flood caused by the Turia River wreaked havoc on Valencia, a city that was historically plagued by floods. In response to the disaster, the Spanish government and then-mayor of Valencia concocted a plan to divert the river outside of the city bounds.
The plan to reroute the river was completed in 1969, leaving behind a dry riverbed in the middle of the city. Initially, a highway was proposed to occupy the space, but Valencians quickly rejected the idea in favor of creating a green space where the river once ran. The city complied.
Photo: Aleksandr Medvedkov/Shutterstock
That green space is now the Jardín del Turia, which at more than 250 acres is Spain’s largest urban park. Its development enlisted the work of various urban planners and landscapers to tackle different sections of the park, aiming to recreate the natural beauty that the river once bestowed upon the city. The result is an oasis of green grass and rose bushes; palm, orange, and pine trees; fountains; ponds; and a variety of recreational facilities.
Today, Jardín del Turia is a cherished green space in Valencia and an icon of the city, but it’s not the only one. There are several gardens and parks in Valencia that double as leading attractions. These are the most beautiful Valencia parks and gardens to see on your next visit.
Photo: Joaquin Corbalan P/Shutterstock
Cabecera Park picks up where the Jardín del Turia ends, located midway between the Balearic coast and Valencia’s airport. A more traditional park, the oblong green space adds another 80-plus acres of greenery to the cityscape. Like the Jardín del Turia, Cabecera Park occupies part of the former riverbed, and it’s actually incorporated a central water feature in the shape of a lake that’s popular for boating. But if you ask many Valencians, especially those with kids, they’ll say the real highlight of Cabecera Park is its Bioparc, Valencia’s largest zoological park. In addition to mountain views, serene woodlands, and an up-and-coming amusement park, Cabecera Park also has a few cafes and restaurants where you can stop for tapas with a view.
Photo: oscarmendezph/Shutterstock
Valencia is a city that continually strives to improve and reinvent itself through large-scale urban development programs. Jardín del Turia, Cabecera Park, and Parque Central are all testaments to that. Still under development, Parque Central was envisioned as a relaxing green space that doubles
From my seat on the pontoon boat, I squeal in excitement at the splinter of gray I see in the distance. I almost missed it, despite the attempts of my fellow travelers to aim my gaze, but the flapping ears give him away.
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