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Many of the sights that people go to are relics from the past – the pyramids in Egypt, the lines at Nazca, the giant heads of Easter island, and the Mayan ruins of central America. Even Spain is the same, with its towering cathedrals and palaces from its royal past. But what if you were given the chance to visit visions of the future, instead of the past? Well, that is exactly what awaits you in Valencia in Spain, where you will find the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias - The City of Arts and Sciences.

There’s the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (The Concert / Opera Hall of Queen Sophia) which, due to its incredible acoustics it is fast becoming the best and most prestigious opera hall in Europe. There’s the L'Oceanografic (The Marine Park), which is the biggest in Europe. This marine part houses thousands of species of marine life including sharks and dolphins. There’s the L'Hemisferic (The IMAX Cinema), which has 5-7 various shows on display at one time. This is an IMAX 3D cinema house and one of the first in Spain. The fourth major part of the City of Arts and Sciences is the Museo de Ciences Principe Felipe (The Museum of Science of Prince Filipe). This is an enormous elongated structure with 3 full floors of interactive science displays.

There are displays on electricity, physical laws, lasers, human body, sport sciences, sound, lights, and even a planetarium. One of the most relaxing places, and the last of the five major attractions is the L'Umbracle (The Greenhouse), a massive greenhouse that is called home by hundreds of species of plants from all over the world, and best of all for the public, the greenhouse is free of charge.

The Holy Grail, Etc.
There is more to Valencia than the City of Arts and Science. There is the La Catedral de Valencia, located on the Plaza de la Reina - the religious centre of Valencia. Here in this cathedral, the people of Valencia believe they have the Holy Grail. The Cathedral was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a main mosque. Though a very bold claim, some researchers now seem to be warming to the evidence that points to the Valencia Cathedral’s grail as the cup used by Jesus in the Last Supper.

The Cathedral also houses the impressive octagonal bell-tower El Micalet, which is the landmark of Valencia. This tower is the highest point in Valencia’s old town, and takes a fit person to climb the stairs all the way to the top. There is also a mummified hand of San Vicente Martyr, the patron saint of Valencia.

From the descriptions above, Valencia is a large and vibrant city with lots of things to do and explore. So plan on a long stay and enjoy the sights longer.