#poem, #art, La luna de València (The Moon Over València)…

The city of València can boast of one of the biggest urban green areas of Europe, which is the Jardines del Turia, or what we, valencianos, call «the river». And because I know that you are going to ask me why do we call a city park the river. Well I will tell you…

The River Turia ran through our city until 1957 when the river overflowed and flooded a large part of the city causing chaos. So the city decided to change the course of the river, which empties into the Mediterranean Sea, and leave the old river bed to become the great park that we now enjoy. That is why we still call the Jardines del Turia (official name of the park) the river.

Anyways, there are many bridges that cross this river, and one of them, back in medieval times, was the main entrance to the then walled in city. You crossed this XIIIth Century bridge, you asked permission of the gate guards and you entered València. But at night the city gates were closed, locked and secured. If you missed the last hour of entry you stayed on the other side of the river. This meant that you were now alone and exposed to thieves, bandits and who knows what else because on the other side of the river, in those days, was the wilderness.

So we say to those who are just lollygagging around and miss things like punchlines, information, questions, mealtimes, their meds, etc. that they are in the «luna de València», or watching the Valencian moon, like those who had to stay on the other side of the bridge because they missed the closing of the gates! So do not be just watching the Moon of València! Get on the ball!

Now I invite you to take a look at our beautiful river/Jardines del Turia. There is one area that is called The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by architect/engineer Santiago Calatrava (a native son of València), which has an opera house, two museums and other incredibly modern and beautiful buildings, gardens and large fountains.

The above photographs show some of the bridges that cross the Jardines del Turia as well as the museums, and opera house which were built upon the original river bed.