Última actualización el 17 de October de 2024 a las 15:18
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich has found its perfect home in the City of Arts and Sciences. This magnificent architectural complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has become not only a cultural symbol of Valencia but also the nerve center of the city’s most anticipated sporting event of the year. The synergy between sports and architecture has elevated the marathon’s reputation, making thousands of runners and spectators enjoy a unique experience. Below, we explore the relationship between the marathon and the city, as well as other key aspects of this iconic venue.
The City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Marathon
For several years now, the City of Arts and Sciences has been the unmistakable image of the Valencia Marathon. This neofuturistic setting not only stands out for its beauty but also offers an impressive route for runners, who begin their adventure on the Monteolivete Bridge and finish on the famous blue runway, which floats above the waters of the complex. This thrilling finale has been recognized as “the most beautiful finish in the world” and for good reason. Year after year, the marathon satisfaction surveys confirm that participants greatly appreciate this unique setting.
The recently renewed agreement between the marathon’s organizers and the City of Arts and Sciences ensures that this spectacular start and finish will continue to be featured for at least another four years. In addition, this partnership guarantees runners the opportunity to enjoy special discounts on entry to the various spaces within the complex.
Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
This amazing complex is not only a landmark for the marathon but also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain. The City of Arts and Sciences is a place where science, culture, and entertainment converge in perfect harmony. Below, we take a brief look at its history and some of its most iconic buildings.
Creation and Historical Data
The project began in 1989 when then-President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Joan Lerma, decided to promote a “City of Science and Technology” inspired by other European centers. After several changes and adjustments, the complex took its current form, largely designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The Hemisfèric was the first building inaugurated in 1998, marking the beginning of what we now know as the City of Arts and Sciences. Over the years, other iconic buildings, such as the Science Museum and the Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts, were added to the complex, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Its Main Buildings
The City of Arts and Sciences complex is a clear example of neofuturistic architecture, blending science, art, and nature. Each of the buildings that make it up is unique in design and purpose and helps to create a comprehensive experience for visitors. Here we detail each of these impressive spaces.
1. L’Hemisfèric
The Hemisfèric is one of the most iconic buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences, and its eye-shaped design makes it a visually striking structure. This building houses an IMAX cinema, a planetarium, and a laser projection room. Its concave screen, covering 900 square meters, is the largest in Spain and allows viewers to enjoy immersive large-format films, scientific documentaries, and astronomical representations. In addition to IMAX films, it also offers 3D digital projections that attract tourists, students, and lovers of science and the cosmos alike.
2. Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe
The Science Museum is an interactive space designed to spark curiosity and learning around science. With a surface area of 40,000 square meters spread over three floors, this museum is characterized by its dynamic and participatory exhibitions. The themes vary from biology and technology to physics and ecology. The museum’s motto, “It is forbidden not to touch,” invites visitors to interact directly with the exhibits. Among the most popular activities are live experiments, educational workshops, and events that blend science and entertainment, making it a must-visit for both children and adults.
3. L’Oceanogràfic
The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, with over 110,000 square meters and 42 million liters of water recreating the planet’s major marine ecosystems. This impressive space allows visitors to immerse themselves in underwater worlds as diverse as the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Antarctic, temperate and tropical seas, wetlands, and the oceans. Each section of the aquarium is designed to faithfully reproduce the habitat of the species living there, such as sharks, belugas, dolphins, penguins, and a host of exotic fish and marine creatures. The building also includes an impressive underwater restaurant where diners can enjoy their meal surrounded by marine life.
4. Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofía
The Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts is the architectural gem of the complex dedicated to performing arts. With its avant-garde design, this opera and performing arts theater boasts four main halls: the Main Hall, the Magistral Hall, the Amphitheater, and the Chamber Theater. The building hosts operas, ballets, concerts, and top-level theater performances, both national and international. Its innovative external structure, reminiscent of a floating feather, and its carefully designed internal acoustics make it a cultural reference in Spain and the world. This venue is also intended to promote the diffusion of music and visual arts, offering both classical and contemporary performances.
5. L’Umbracle
The Umbracle is a landscaped walkway covered by floating arches that serves as a natural viewpoint over the complex. This structure, with more than 17,500 square meters, is designed to house a collection of Mediterranean flora, as well as tropical species that change with the seasons. The Umbracle is not only a space for strolling and relaxing but also an open-air art gallery known as the Sculpture Walk, which features works by contemporary artists such as Yōko Ono and Miquel Navarro. Additionally, this space includes the Astronomy Garden, where visitors can learn about celestial phenomena through a series of interactive sculptures.
6. Ágora
The Ágora is a multifunctional space conceived as a large covered plaza, located between the Assut de l’Or Bridge and the Oceanographic. Its imposing design, with a shell-shaped roof, makes it ideal for hosting cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and sporting competitions. The Ágora has hosted prestigious international events such as the Valencia Tennis Tournament or the Global Champions Tour equestrian event. This space will also become the future home of CaixaForum Valencia, a cultural center that will further expand the city’s artistic and educational offerings.
7. Assut de l’Or Bridge
The Assut de l’Or Bridge, also known as the Azud del Oro Bridge, is a futuristic structure connecting the city’s southern ring road with Menorca Street. Its pylon, standing 125 meters tall, is the highest point in Valencia, giving it an iconic character in the city’s skyline. This bridge is not only functional in terms of connectivity but also a symbol of Valencia’s modernity and innovation.
These buildings are not only fundamental pieces of modern architecture but also represent the perfect fusion of science, art, and entertainment, offering a wide range of activities for all kinds of audiences. Each one contributes to consolidating the City of Arts and Sciences as a cultural and tourist reference, not only in Valencia but throughout Spain and Europe.
Renewed Agreement
The agreement between the Valencia Marathon and the City of Arts and Sciences ensures that the complex will remain the central point and the magical fianle of the race for at least four more years. This pact allows the city to continue welcoming thousands of runners from all over the world to an environment that combines architectural beauty with an unparalleled atmosphere for competition. Moreover, the presence of this iconic complex in international marathon broadcasts continues to establish Valencia as a top tourist and sports destination.
But this agreement is not just about beautiful images for television. According to Paco Borao, president of the SD Correcaminos, “The City of Arts and Sciences is part of the DNA of the Valencia Marathon.” The collaboration between both entities has been crucial in making this event one of the most prestigious on the international calendar, and its continuity ensures that the magic of the race will not fade away anytime soon.
Runners with Discounted Entry Tickets
Thanks to the new agreement, runners of the Valencia Marathon, as well as up to three companions, will enjoy discounts on entry to the different spaces within the City of Arts and Sciences. This initiative aims to ensure that participants not only enjoy the race but also take advantage of their stay in Valencia to explore some of the city’s most fascinating venues. From the Science Museum to the Hemisfèric and the Oceanographic, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in unique experiences at reduced prices.
These incentives not only benefit the runners but also strengthen the relationship between sports and tourism in the city. In this way, Valencia continues to establish itself as an ideal destination for those looking to combine their passion for running with the enjoyment of culture and science.
Eduardo A. is an SEO expert with over 10 years of experience in digital media and web writing. He has run the Valencia Marathon 12 times, making him an experienced voice in the event, providing valuable insights for both runners and their companions.
