Turia Gardens. The green heart of Valencia.

Following a devastating flood in 1957 which claimed over 80 lives, the River Turia was diverted away from the centre of Valencia. Original plans for the dry riverbed were for a highway, but public protests demanded a green space, so eventually the Turia Gardens were created, a vibrant green space that is the city's recreational heart.

The park stretches well over 9km and today we walked almost the length of the park. As well as running and cycling tracks, various sports grounds and athletics tracks, the park has a wonderful children's playground with an enormous Gulliver that the children can climb up and over.

There are 18 bridges crossing the park, many with historical significance. Unfortunately, as with many other large cities, some of the poor homeless people of Valencia are forced to make their homes beneath these bridges.

Towards the east end of the park is the City of Arts and Sciences, a very modern symbol of Valencia's cultural and scientific innovation, offering interactive experiences in science, art and nature.

Today's walk in warm winter sunshine was a perfect ending to our time in Valencia.


































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