Valencia

views updated May 29 2018

Valencia City in e Spain, capital of the province of Valencia, situated on the River Turia. The region of Valencia comprises the provinces of Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia. Originally settled by the Romans, the city was conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, eventually becoming capital of the independent Moorish kingdom of Valencia. In the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), it was the last Republican city to fall to Nationalist forces. It is an agricultural, industrial and communications centre. Tourists are drawn by the city's many fine buildings. Industries: electrical equipment, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding, vehicles, machinery, fruit, wine. Pop. (2001) 746,612.

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