City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is located in Valencia. Work on the unique complex began in 1989 by the architect S. Calatrava. The design project of the unusual city was recognized as the best example of modern architecture. On a plot of land more than 2 sq. km stretches a futuristic city-complex. The complex includes 5 buildings and unique structures.
Reina Sofia Palace of Arts
It was opened in 2005. Above the open flaps of the sea shell, there is a gracefully curved arch supported by a giant pylon - this unusually shaped palace is located between two pools. In one of the valves there is a diamond-shaped hole, reminiscent of an eye. Some compare the shape of the palace to a fantastic helmet. The internal area of the palace is 40 thousand square meters. m, consists of 4 halls, ready to accommodate more than 4 thousand spectators. Another 2 thousand spectators, located outside, can see what is happening on stage on a huge screen.
The opening of the first hall of the Palace was visited by Queen Sofia of Spain. The interior of the hall is decorated with mosaics in blue tones, creating a contrast to the white tiers of balconies.
The palace, which has excellent acoustics, is intended for opera, ballet and any other concerts, as well as theatrical performances.
L'Hemisfèric
The building in the City of Arts and Sciences was the first to open to visitors in 1998. It houses an IMAX cinema, a wonderful planetarium and a theater show for light and laser performances. The structure, more than 100 m long, has an unusual roof shape - in the shape of a giant egg, and resembles an all-seeing eye. The cinema screen area is 900 square meters. m is the largest cinema in Spain.
Prince Felipe Science Museum
A science museum that demonstrates the latest technical achievements in an interactive and, above all, entertaining way. The slogan of the museum is the phrase: “It is forbidden not to think, not to feel, not to touch!” Not only young people and curious tourists, but also representatives of science from all over the world with great desire attend scientific conferences held in the halls of the museum and exchange experiences.
L'Umbracle
It has been open in the City of Arts and Sciences since 2000. It is a magnificent botanical garden with rare plants and a gallery consisting of 119 transparent, almost invisible arches. More than 5 thousand representatives of fauna grow in the garden. In addition, there is an exhibition of works by artists and sculptors of our time. From the equipped observation deck there are picturesque views of the entire fantastic ensemble.
L Oceanogrofic
It was opened in 2002. It is an impressive oceanographic park and the largest aquarium in Europe. The main aquatic ecosystems of the planet have been created in separate aquarium zones. For example, the Mediterranean, characteristic of swamps, the Red Sea system, Arctic, Antarctic. More than 45 thousand species of flora and fauna live in aquariums. There is also a huge dolphinarium here. In the center there is a magnificent underwater restaurant, where during lunch or dinner you can watch the life of 10 thousand fish!
Bridge Assut de l'or
An amazingly beautiful snow-white suspension cable-stayed bridge stretches over the former river bed. The tower-column standing on it is the tallest in Barcelona. Its height is 125 m.
L'Agora
A huge covered area designed for concerts and sporting events. It resembles a giant ellipse with pointed ends, almost 90 m long and about 70 m wide. At Christmas, a huge skating rink is set up here.
The City of Arts and Sciences project provides for the construction of 3 giant skyscrapers, 308, 266 and 220 m high. Their construction has been postponed indefinitely. The complex has magnificent parks, streams and beautiful fountains.
A little history of the City of Arts and Sciences
In 1989, a history professor at a university located in Valencia, now the famous José Painro, presented the idea of building a scientific museum on the site of the Turia River bed to the head of Valencia, J. Lerma. The President supported the idea. It was decided to create an outstanding large-scale object. To work on this enormous task, they invited a team with experience in creating original structures in Canada, Great Britain and Germany.
Initially, it was planned to spend about 150 million euros to implement the plan. The project included the construction of a Science Museum, a 370 m high telecommunications tower - the third tallest in the world, and a planetarium.
In 1991, land was allocated, and S. Kalantrava presented his project. In 1998, the first building opened its doors to visitors. The City of Arts and Sciences is a priceless decoration of Valencia and a favorite holiday destination for local residents and numerous tourists.
