Happy TravellerWelcome to Llíria, a medium-sized town located off the CV35 motorway to the north of Valencia, Spain. Known as Edeta in ancient Iberian times, Llíria is the musical capital of the region and was declared a Creative City in the category of Music by the UNESCO in 2019. With a rich history and stunning architecture, Llíria is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Location:
Llíria is the capital of the area known as Camp de Túria in the province of Valencia. It is approximately 25 km (16 mi) north-west of the city of Valencia. It sits at an altitude of 164m (530). The population in 2006 totalled approximately 21,500. The traditional economy is based on agriculture, but industries such as textiles, construction materials, plastics, and furniture are becoming increasingly important. The city is at the end of the Metrovalencia train system. Construction of a new general hospital in Llíria began in 2007 and finished in 2015.
History and Architecture:
Llíria has a rich history dating back to pre-Roman times. Under Llíria lie the ruins of what was one of the most important Iberian cities in Spain. The city was then known as Edeta and it was the administrative centre of Edetania, an extensive territory between the rivers Júcar / Xúquer and Palancia River / Riu Palància. Edeta was built on a hilltop known as Sant Miquel, which overlooks the modern city. The city was moved downhill to its current location by Quintus Sertorius after Roman troops destroyed the town in 76 BC. Under the Romans, Llíria was as important as Valencia or Sagunt. The town is very rich in Roman finds, including a large Roman leisure centre with a temple, shops, pools, and hot baths. The first church in Llíria was built in 1238 by King James I of Aragon, after his victory over the Moors and the conquest of the Valencian region. The Church of the Blood (església de la Sang) was built on the site of a mosque and is a typical example of Valencian Gothic architecture with Roman and Valencian influences.
Climate:
The climate in Llíria is Mediterranean, but with slight continental influence due to the inland location with occasional cool nights in winter, snow is a very rare phenomenon. The average temperature is between 10°/11° C (50°/52° F) in January and 26°/29 °C (79°/84 °F) in July and August. Rainfall is very irregular but with heavy showers common in September and October.
Festivals:
Llíria has a number of festivals throughout the year, including Holy Week, Saint Michaels Festival or Feast Day, Saint Vincents Festival or Feast Day, Festival of the Immaculate Conception, Festival of Our Lady of the Remedy, and Taurine Week. Holy Week in Llíria is one of the most important traditional events in the city and also one of the most ancient traditional Holy Week celebrations in the Region of Valencia. It is celebrated between Friday of Sorrows and Resurrection Sunday, including also Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Llíria has elaborate processions during Holy Week, a tradition that dates from medieval times.
Music:
Llíria is known as the musical capital of the region and is home to several thousand residents who play musical instruments. The city is well known for its two intensely rival bands (wind orchestras), the Banda Primitiva and the Unió Musical. The Conservatory of Lliria is a public center created by the city council in the 1990s.
Language:
Both Spanish and Valencian are spoken in the town; however, the number speaking Valencian in their homes is steadily decreasing as the town is slowly absorbed into the Spanish-speaking conurbation of Valencia.
Schools:
Llíria has a number of schools, including Spanish-language grant-aided schools, Valencian-language grant-aided schools, Spanish language church schools, and Spanish & Valencian language schools (State).
Come and visit Llíria, a hidden gem in the heart of Valencia!
