Turia Gardens .. Valencia's Green Zone

Valencia Turia Gardens Wall  © Alice Joyce

The Turia Gardens project traces to 1957, when flood waters devastated the city’s historic district. To avoid another such deluge, the government diverted the Turia River, relocating the watercourse. Rather than turn the old river bed into a highway, as some suggested, the vast area became a public green zone, with renowned architect Ricardo Bofill assuming a primary role in the overall planning. Bofill envisioned a green sward meandering around and through the city of Valencia on a path toward the sea.

Valencia Turia Gardens Bofill Design © Alice Joyce

Valencia’s bridges and old walls add atmosphere and character to each stretch of the Turia gardens. Walls embrace the path as Flower Bridge comes into view, a popular pedestrian walkway replanted annually with masses of colorful seasonal blooms.

Bofill’s Modernist aesthetic characterizes the Turia area linking the 16th century Bridge of the Sea – where a spacious circular pool evokes the river – to the Bridge of the Guardian Angel.

Bofill laid out this parcel in a symmetrical, rectilinear arrangement, softening all the straight lines with a lush green oasis incorporating groves of orange trees. A progression of fountains, set into the ground and enlivened by red tinted walls, produces a refreshing play of water as you move on. The fountains serve as a gateway, announcing the Palace of Music, where concrete colonnades articulate the palace’s formal courtyards. Olive trees, emerald lawns, and elaborately patterned carpet bedding emerge, along with a vast reflecting pool that springs to life with water jets synchronized to music coming from the concert hall.

Bofill Design Turia Gardens Colonnade © Alice Joyce

The mirror image of Bofill’s design is restated in the path beyond, its soothing geometry leading to a 21st century marvel – the City of Arts and Sciences – soon to follow on  Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz.

Valencia Bridge of the Sea: Photo © Alice Joyce

Exposition Bridge – designed by Valencia’s own, now world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava is an iconic symbol of the city in the 21st century. The sight of the bridge signals the amazing architecture of the City of Arts & Sciences, emerging as the Turia lures you forward. Exposition Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava Photo: Turismo Valencia