The famous "pasodoble" song of the composer Padilla says that Valencia is a land of "Flowers, light and love", and it just so happens that Gardens are something that Valencians have every right to be proud of.
The Old Turia Riverbed has been transformed into 10km of magnificent urban landscape gardening, surrounding the historical quarter of the city, and which includes wonderful sports facilities both adults and children of all ages, such as the racing track and the "Gulliver" thematic park for children, based on and around Gulliver himself.
Another Valencian Park worthy of a mention here is the Viveros or Jardines del Real ( Royal Gardens), whose name is derived from the fact that this was once the site of the Royal palace.
The Monforte Gardens are of neo-classical design and give off a very relaxing effect just by admiring the marble statues, ponds and the resting pavilions.
The Parterre Garden and the Glorieta Garden, are the most central, and the oldest gardens of the city, and they boast giant Magnolia trees which are hundreds of years old.
The present Botanical Gardens were opened in 1802, and at present includes over 30,000 Valencian plants, and other species imported form America and Asia.
