Fun fact: Along with oranges, Valencia is a prime rice growing area! Rice has been grown for over 1000 years on the low-lying land near the coast. Paella (pah-aye-ah) is the rice-based signature dish of Valencia. It's a free-style combo of rice, meat and/or seafood, with a few vegetables tossed in for a good measure. It's seasoned with saffron which gives the rice a lovely golden hue.
Another fun fact: In the past, if a merchant couldn't meet his financial obligations, the Trading Market would remove one leg of the bench he used. The bench was called a banco rota (broken bench), which later led to the English word "bankrupt."
Click here for a quick link to two maps that highlight the area we just explored. Check them out, then do yourself a favor and come to Valencia!
Click here to read Even More To Love About Valencia