Valencia: European Green Capital 2024 with Art and Sustainability

Valencia has been named European Green Capital 2024 by the European Commission, recognizing its environmental efforts and quality of life. The city boasts nearly 5 million square meters of green spaces, including the Turia Gardens, one of Spain's largest urban parks, stretching 9 kilometers along the former riverbed. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, overlooks these gardens. Valencia promotes sustainable mobility with over 160 km of bike lanes, 94 km² of pedestrian zones, and a bike-sharing network. The Municipal Bicycle Agency, led by Italian mobility councillor Giuseppe Grezzi, coordinates cycling initiatives. Cultural institutions like the IVAM and the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre feature green spaces and outdoor sculptures. The University of Valencia's campus is home to works by 80 international artists, including Alberto Sánchez and Damián Ortega. The Central Park, designed by Kathryn Gustafson, covers over 100,000 m². The Albufera Natural Park, a biodiversity oasis, helped absorb floodwaters from the autumn DANA storm. The city is surrounded by La Huerta, 120 km² of orchards supplying local markets. A new guide, 'Itinerari nel verde di Valencia', outlines the green capital's objectives.