Turia Gardens

The Turia Gardens were created at the end of the 20th century as a result of the diversion of the river to a new artificial course south of the city, after the catastrophic flood of 1957. The project included 120 hectares of dry riverbed which would become the new linear park. It was developed by the Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill, and was described as 'a composition which makes use of the symbolic power of certain rhythms and references to Moorish gardens'. The park is divided into sections, each of which has its own character; thus the first sections feature cycle-cross and biking circuits, as well as sports facilities including an athletics track and a multi-sports area, football, rugby and baseball pitches and a skating track, while other areas have more conventional gardens. Of these, mention should be made of the Palau garden area, home to the Palau de la Música auditorium, and the work of Valencian architect José María García Paredes.