Ruzafa

Just south of Valencia’s historic center lies the vibrant neighborhood of Ruzafa (or Russafa in Valencian). Known as one of the city’s trendiest areas, it’s packed with unique restaurants, creative concept stores, stylish delis and lively bars. A visit to Ruzafa is an absolute must during your stay in Valencia!

The neighbourhood of Ruzafa belongs to the district L’Eixample. This neighborhood runs south from the street Gran Vía Marqués del Turia. Ruzafa was an independent municipality until 1877 on and was not directly part of the city of Valencia. That changed: nowadays this part of town is hot! There are different names for the district: Ruzafa (Spanish name) and Russafa (Valencian version). The name originates from the time when the Moors had power over this area; the Arabic word Ruṣāfatu means ‘garden’. Back in the day the district had an agricultural character but today the district is a popular hangout for creative people.

A short history of Ruzafa

In the Middle Ages, a Moorish governor created a large park in this area. His father, the Emir of Spain, lived in Córdoba and had built a grand garden there something the crown prince wanted to recreate in Valencia. According to legend, he even built a palace next to the gardens, although no trace of it has ever been found. The prince soon left the city, but the park remained a beloved spot for Moorish Valencians, a peaceful retreat away from the busy city life.

Ruzafa, Russafa, Ruṣāfa…

There are several names for this neighborhood: Ruzafa is the Spanish version, while Russafa is Valencian. The name Russafa actually comes from the old Arabic word Ruṣāfa, which is itself thought to be borrowed from an ancient Middle Eastern language rasapa.

There are many theories about what these words might mean. Some say it translates to “garden,” while others believe it means “residence of the governor.” If the legendary palace of Ruzafa really existed, that would indeed be a fitting name! Another possible meaning is “strong” or “well built.” Quite a range of interpretations!

The Moorish period of Valencia, then known as Balansiya, also came to an end right here in Ruzafa. In 1238, King Jaume I (James I of Aragon) set up his camp in this area during the siege of the city. When the Muslim king of Valencia finally surrendered, he signed the peace treaty in Ruzafa. From that moment on, the great park gradually turned into a cluster of farms surrounding a small village.

From Village to City District

Because Ruzafa lay just outside Valencia’s old city walls, it remained an independent village for a long time. In the 19th century, Ruzafa and its surroundings began to grow rapidly. When Valencia’s city walls were demolished in 1865, the city gradually expanded. Twelve years later, in 1877, Valencia officially took over Ruzafa’s local government, turning it into one of its city districts. You can still spot a commemorative stone from this takeover in the wall of the church tower in Ruzafa’s center!

Ruzafa became part of the new district L’Eixample, a major urban project designed by the famous architect Francisco Mora Berenguer. Wealthier Valencians built elegant homes north of the wide avenue Gran Vía del Marqués del Túria, around the Mercado de Colón, while the working-class families settled further south in Ruzafa.

To better connect the neighborhood to the new district, Ruzafa was redesigned with long, straight streets. That’s why most of Ruzafa today consists of neat, square city blocks. Yet, around the Mercat de Russafa, you can still find narrow streets that break the grid pattern, a charming reminder of the original village layout that once defined old Ruzafa.

Ruzafa Reborn

By the end of the 20th century, Ruzafa had lost much of its charm. Many buildings were in poor condition, and the neighborhood had a reputation for being unsafe. But around fifteen years ago, everything changed! Almost at the same time, developers, creatives, free spirits and the Valencia city council launched projects to completely revitalize the area.

The result? A huge success. Today, Ruzafa is one of Valencia’s most popular neighborhoods hip, bohemian, and full of life. From trendy cafés and colorful street art to lively nightlife and unique boutiques, this is the place to be during your stay in Valencia!

What to see

On every street corner there is something to see in Ruzafa.  But what are the absolute highlights of this neighbourhood? The streets around Ruzafa tend to get busy during the evenings at summer and all have a main lead towards Mercado de Ruzafa. Here you can find a real mix of different people: traditional Spanish people chitchatting away on a bench in the small parks next to the young, hip and creative people wondering the streets at night.

Exploring Ruzafa

What better way to explore Ruzafa than with a trendy bike! Our bike rental shop is situated in the heart of Ruzafa, at Calle Cuba 34. You are more than welcome to rent a bike and get the latest tips and tricks to explore this (and other) parts of Valencia. If you are interested to see the city with one of our tour guides we are more than happy to organise a tour for you. Ruzafa is close by the Turia River as well as to El Carmen, the old city center. Starting point for our tours is our shop: easily accessible and in the heart of Ruzafa.

Want to get to know Ruzafa by foot? With our walking route you’ll get to know the stories behind small boutiques, find out about cool concepts, extraordinary details, popular restaurants, lesser known attractions and cozy bars in this lively neighborhood.

Coffee, cake and brunch spots

Ruzafa is well known for its coffee places. Every week a new coffee shop is opening up but lately also tea shops are appearing. In Ruzafa there is a lot of attention for food: local products with a biological twist, the smaller bakeries and local entrepreneurs are putting an effort in producing quality products. In need of something sweet next to your coffee or tea? These spots will live up to your imagination!

Dinner

Valencia is a real gastronomic city: not only traditional tapas are being served anymore but also vegetarian, sushi and South American places are popular. Spanish people dine quite late in the evening, mostly after nine o’clock. Gotten hungry after a whole day of exploring the city? In these restaurants you will get a taste of Ruzafa’s food:

Valencian beers

In need of something stronger than coffee or tea? There are numerous bars in Ruzafa to explore. Our favourite is Olhöps: a trendy café where local, national and international brewers get the opportunity to present their beers. Would you like to learn more about beer? Verrassend Valencia offers a beer tour: during this tour you will learn some interesting things about beer in general, several sorts of Valencian beer and of course you can taste the beer as well!

During the Valencian beer tasting you are going to learn about the history of beer in general, the ingredients, and the different types of beer and about various kinds of Valencian beer. The beers will be analysed on the basis of the Beer Flavor Wheel and the beer aromas and after that it is finally time to taste the beer. In total you get to taste four different kinds of Valencian beer. You will also get to taste a picoteo (a small bite). After that there is plenty of time for some nice and unique tips about (beer)cafes in Valencia that are certainly worth a visit.

How to get there

Ruzafa is only a ten minute walk away from Estacion Del Norte (the biggest train station of Valencia). Buses 7, 183 and 90 go through Ruzafa and the Gran Via divides the old city from Ruzafa. The Turia river is very easily reachable from the Gran Via or cycling down Avenida Peris y Valero.

Tips

• Don’t be afraid to wander off the main streets! That’s where you’ll discover the most unique little shops and authentic bars!