Location: Valencia, Spain

Semester: Fall/Spring

Each semester, the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, in cooperation with the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese of the University of Virginia, will offer a Hispanic Studies Program.

Located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Valencia is a beautiful and ancient city that was founded by the Romans and later inhabited by the Greeks and Moors, all of whom left a significant mark on its history. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Valencia was one of the great economic powers in the Mediterranean, and was also known for its accomplished artists and authors.

Valencia is one of the major cities in Spain, with a population of more than 750,000. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Valencia has many attractions: La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (a huge museum complex of futuristic architecture); a Gothic cathedral; the Mercado Central; several art museums; a major university; and more. The nightlife in Valencia is active and varied, and its cuisine is world-renowned thanks to its outstanding paella valenciana. Shoppers will find many trendy places to visit, as well as the traditional Valencia pottery, ceramics, and glassware, with its typical blue and white designs.