My partner was very satisfied

City and coast have grown together and we are heading inland towards the centre of Spain’s third city. Valencia sits in contrast to Barcelona in that it isn’t as much as a tourist hot spot - but it is giving it a go. It position in relation to the capital is more than of the periphery to the centre as opposed to an alternative centre - but once, during the Civil War, it became the capital and the region has its own language, a kissing cousin to Catalan.





We are heading to Mestalla, the area and the stadium and so let us talk of such things.  Everything about Valencia CF is differently functional.  It has not had a smooth recent time.  The 106 year old club has had issues over its ownership.  The result confusion and issues on investment did make relegation a possibility but a new Head Coach helped them to 12th.

As with the on field, so the new stadium.  Mestalla is a traditional ground, built near the city centre and, as with the way of the world, the club wanted to move out of town. Work on the 75,000 Nou Mestalla was meant to mean a move in during the 2009-10 season.  A report in January 2025 reckoned 2027-28 was the new due date.



The club has had its moments.  It won the Cup winners’ cup in 1980 and the UEFA Cup in 2004.  The last silverware came in the 2018-19 season, when they won the Copa del Rey.

From Football to fighting - never a long step.  The Museo Histórico Militar https://ejercito.defensa.gob.es/unidades/Madrid/ihycm/Museos/valencia.html is free to enter and, as the website kindly informs us, has 3500m2 of space. It is open 10 till 2 every day but Monday [when it is closed]  and 4-8 except Sundays  The 2302 reviews have four key words.  ‘Muy interesante’, uniform, vehicles and Playmobil.  



Paco, a week ago, helpfully explained ‘Highly recommended. The museum is spectacular, and even more so when they display the Playmobil dioramas. The kids have a great time.    Sibalagu added ‘Small, exquisite and interesting military history museum, free to visit, the staff is very friendly, but the souvenirs are not special’ and Carmen sums it all up with ‘My partner was satisfied with his visit’



With that, we will sit and look at where a river used to be.

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