Valencia has been home to many different cultures over the years.  Originally founded by the Romans the city has also been inhabited by Greeks, Visigoths, Moors and the Aragonese.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia became one of the major economic powers in the Mediterranean. During this Golden Age authors, artists and poets were recognized and appreciated.

Occupation of Valencia changed hands several times over the years, during the War of the Spanish Succession and the Peninsular War, at times being occupied by English or French armies.

After General Franco invaded during the Spanish Civil War Valencia went through a very difficult adjustment period.  Franco outlawed political parties and severely limited the freedoms of the people.  During his regime the people were discouraged from speaking or teaching the Valencian language.

In 1957 the city suffered severe damage from floods.  In an attempt to prevent this from happening again the river was drained and the direction of the flow was altered and routed around the city.

Today, Valencia is a major world city, home to museums, universities and businesses and has been selected as the host of the 2007 America's Cup races.