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AMERICA'S CUP 2007 ENERGIZES HOST CITY, VALENCIA, SPAIN COMPREHENSIVE REJUVENATION OF PORT AREA INCLUDES MARINA TO HOLD 700 YACHTS, CITY SEEKS GLOBAL STAGE, PRESTIGE OF EVENT Updated 29 March 2006 Spain's third largest city, Valencia, won the bid to host the America's Cup after Switzerland, a land-locked country, won the world's premier sailing event in 2003 in New Zealand. With its roots in ancient times, and a rich tapestry of medieval history, Valencia is now looking to project an image as a cutting-edge 21st century city, with global appeal.
The city was controlled by the Moorish caliphate of Al-Andalus in the middle ages, eventually taken over by Spanish Christians during the period known as the "Reconquest". The city's big attraction in recent years is the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex including a museum, performance venue, planetarium, hanging gardens and aquarium, and the landmark architecture of native architect Santiago Calatrava. Now a comprehensive port restoration and renovation is underway to allow the city to serve as the world-class sailing destination needed for the Cup. The event is drawing other nations who wish to capture the mystique that Valencia openly seeks in hosting the challenges 'Acts' and final Cup match duel. South Africa is one example, entering the boat Shosholoza, named for a miners' song meaning "make your road, forge ahead". The spirit of the team seems to be to give the best face of South Africa's dynamic, modern society, in hopes of winning the Cup and then hosting in the next defense, an opportunity to attract investment, tourism and to remodel the nation's image across the world. Other nations have similar aspirations, though odds may be long in a competition which only 4 nations have won in 31 previous championships.
PROFILE: Spain's third largest city, Valencia is the bustling capital of the autonomous region called the Comunidad Valenciana. The surrounding landscape is laced with geometrically plotted orchards and orange groves and is famed for its agricultural richness and productivity. Throughout its varied history, Valencia has been ruled, like many Spanish cities, by a number of distinct civilizations, and now displays a commitment to blending the ancient with the modern in creating a city with an energy like no other. [City Page] For more travel listings, original narratives and destinations, consult Sentido's sister site for travel, CavaTravel.com... |
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