Valencia combines a rich historic center with bold contemporary architecture and a strong Mediterranean identity. Associated with El Cid’s conquest of the city in 1094, it offers students a setting in which to connect medieval history with the later development of a thriving urban community.

Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia Cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda and the Central Market reveal different aspects of the city’s religious, commercial and cultural life. The City of Arts and Sciences introduces a striking modern perspective. Nearby, the landscapes of the Albufera, rice cultivation and the traditions of Valencian paella connect the city with its surrounding environment and food culture.