THIS LECTURE will explore the history of Valencia city from the time of the Romans and the Muslims through its Visigoth and Catholic Gothic eras.
The city of Valencia was distinguished in its mediaeval, Gothic era by its wealth, guilds, merchants, nobles and kings. King Alfonso the Magnanimous began an expansive foreign policy for the Mediterranean. Barcelona's middle class fled to the Kingdom of Valencia, where work was plentiful.
Barcelona suffered a severe decline and sank to 14,000 inhabitants, while the city of Valencia grew to 75,000 by the middle of the century. The Valencian capital became the economic, political and social centre of the Crown of Aragon and so the intellectual, literary and artistic circles flourished and spread their benefits and influence throughout the kingdom.
The marvellous manifestation of man and creation was brought to life in the façades and interiors of churches, convents, palaces and secular buildings
The culmination of history and treasures in the historic centre of Valencia, one of the largest in Spain, makes it an important focal point for students and lovers of Spanish culture.
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