The Oceanogràfic of Valencia is the largest aquarium in Europe and it is placed in the City of Arts and Sciences in the city of Valencia. Oceanografic contains a representation of the most important world ecosystems. The building is organized by aquatic ecosystems: the Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, the Arctic, Islands, the Red Sea, and the huge Dolphinarium with 24 million litres of water and a depth of 10.5 metres.
Oceanografic hosts over 45,000 individuals of 500 different species: dolphins, belugas, walruses, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, rays, sawfish, jellyfish, starfish, sea urchins, and crustaceans of all kin, among others. Furthermore it houses wetland bird species such as those inhabiting the Albufera de Valencia and tropical mangrove swamps.
An Underwater Restaurant is also placed in the Oceanografic of the City of Arts and Sciences.
Building Architecture
The building was inaugurated the 12th December 2002, being immediately the largest marine aquarium in Europe and one of the most famous in the world. It represents a journey through the main oceans and world seas.
The modern architecture of Oceanografic and the several aquariums, aim to make visitors aware of the need to protect world fauna and flora. Here a few data regarding Oceanografic:
- 110,000 square metres surface area
- a volume of 42 million litres of water (equivalent to 15 Olympic swimming pools)
- One of the largest Dolphinarium in the world with 26 million cubic metres of water and a depth of 10.5 metres and different dolphin species.
- 6,761 square metres methacrylate panels
- Construction materials: 150,000 cubic metres of concrete and 15,000 tons of steel.
- Around 25 kilometres of piping with diameters ranging from 1.4 centimetres to 1.3 metres.
The Oceanogràfic architecture in amazing due to a huge 26 metres sphere containing two of the most peculiar wetland areas in the world: mangrove swamps and fens. A huge and very cold igloo represents the Arctic region.
The Underwater Restaurant is placed in the centre of the complex, designed by Felix Candela its roof represents a paraboloid figure similar to a water lily, and contains an amazing aquarium on the ground floor.
Oceanografic Areas
Botany
Oceanografic garden with a nice environment full of plants from different origins.
Red Sea Auditorium
Aquarium devoted to Red Sea, full of colour and covered by a roof shape as a “pilgrim’s shell”.
Arctic
Huge igloo that houses two marine mammals that are used to cold weather: belugas and walruses
Antarctic
Rocky cliff space that hosts animals such as penguins.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean sea, one of the most important sea in Spain, specially in the city of Valencia. It is a spherical roof building hosting an aquarium with almost 7.400 specimens.
Oceans
It is the largest aquarium in the Oceanografic and one of the biggest in the world with a volume of 7 million litres represents a trip through different oceans.
Dolphinarium
Very big area where dolphins swim and make amazing shows full of lights and music. 5 swimming pools host 30 dolphins, one of the biggest Dolphinarium in the world.
Temperate and Tropical
It is a journey from the mild water oceanic regions to the warm waters of the tropics with a huge underwater tunnel of 70 metres in length, the largest in Europe.
Islands
Outdoor area with huge marine lions and seals. Extremely intelligent animals and excellent swimmers.
Wetlands
Outdoor area containing two coastal wetlands, temperate and tropical zones.
Hostel close to Oceanografic, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
Home Hostels offers two hostels close to Oceanografic: Home Youth Hostel Valencia and Home Backpackers, Hostels close to the City of Arts and Sciences. You can go there by bus, taxi or walking.
You have the chance to stay in a cheap hostel in the city center and close to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.
If you are interested in more information of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia please visit our section City of Arts and Sciences . Also if you wish to see information regarding events, news, what to do in the City of Valencia check our Valencia Guide .
Photos: www.cac.es