The Turia River is located in the Tereul province, in Spain. The city of Valencia was built around the fertile banks of the Turia. However, after the occurrence of the devastating flood in 1957, which claimed innumerable lives and caused damage to many parts of the city, the Turia River was separated in two divisions near the frontiers of the western city. The water flows southwards before being discharged into the Mediterranean. The old river course has almost dried up. It runs through the city center into the Mediterranean Sea.
Jardi del Turia
The dried up riverbed of the River Turia, serves as a park surrounded with lush greenery. This park is called as the “Jardi del Turia” or the Garden of Turia. It is studded with flowers, pathways, ponds, and a zen garden. The place is also used as a cycle track and football ground. The park is also a useful track for the athletes. The riverbed is also useful for traversing the city of Valencia. Bridges had been constructed over the dried riverbed, which serves as a pathway for traffic.
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River of Culture
The Turia River of Valencia is also known as the “River of Culture”. Innumerable monuments of historical importance, museums, art galleries and other cultural centers are located on the riverbanks of the Turia. After, the river course was diverted, the Valencia Government converted the sunken grounds into a playground of leisure and other cultural activities. Gradually, the place became the center head of various cultural enterprises. The City of Arts and Sciences and the Palau de la Musica, located at the western end of the park, is situated on the riverbed. Numerous fairs, festivals and circuses are also held on this spot.
The Eastern end of the park features a children’s play area known as Parc Gulliver. There is a large model of Lemuel Gulliver made out of fibreglass.
The place offers a refuge from the din and bustle of the city. The old riverbed of the Turia River is an embodiment of the true essence of Valencia. Two metro stations are located beneath the old riverbed. The new course of the River Turia, fringes the city, before merging with the Mediterranean.
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