Why Valencia?

Valencia is the quintessential Mediterranean city. Founded in 138 BC, Valencia has been built upon multiculturalism, the lively exchange of ideas and values, and an enterprising attitude. And that legacy has helped make modern-day Valencia one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Europe. It has especially strong roots in education, and is one of the three most requested European cities in the Erasmus student exchange program.

Valencia is the capital of the Valencia province, one of three provinces that comprise the autonomous region Comunidad Valenciana on the east coast of Spain. It’s also the European region with the highest number of musicians per capita. Thousands of Valencians of all ages are involved in music activities, playing in more than 500 symphonic bands throughout the region and working professionally in all music styles including classical, rock, pop, and jazz.

Artistic culture enjoys special prominence in Valencia. The work of its artists, including musicians Joaquín Rodrigo, Carles Santos, Perico Sambeat and Miquel Gil, choreographer Nacho Duato, architect Santiago Calatrava, and artists Joaquín Sorolla and Manolo Valdés, has long transcended Valencia’s borders. And that art is publicly celebrated at events such as Festival Internacional de Benicassim music festival, Danza Valencia dance festival, ENSEMS contemporary music gathering, and in world class shows at Palau de la Música, Palau de les Arts, Centro Coreográfico de la Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian Community Choreography Center), and Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (Valencian Institute of Modern Art).

Valencia is the perfect balance of old and new, preserving its storied traditions while constantly bringing its forward-thinking attitude to life. Nowhere is Valencia’s heritage more prominent than in the old city, where you’ll find treasures such as La Lonja, a 15th Century architectural jewel that was declared Patrimony of Humanity in 1996, the vital Mercado Central (Central Market), and the lively Barrio del Carmen. But just a short trip away is the emblematic City of the Arts and Sciences, the amazing cultural complex designed by Calatrava, home to a large-scale urban recreation center complete with a science museum and underwater city. Valencia is also enjoying one of the most significant growths in cultural tourism in Europe, and plays host to the America’s Cup sailing race and the F1 Grand Prix.

All this, coupled with the city’s year-round spring-like conditions, makes Valencia the ideal home for Berklee’s first international school.

For more information please visit www.valencia.es and www.comunitatvalenciana.com