The long history of this land and the creative spirit of its inhabitants have had a profound effect on the cultural developments of the Land of Valencia. The age-old history of this land and the creative spirit of its inhabitants have had a profound effect on the cultural development of the land of Valencia. Centuries of culture and rich historical and artistic heritage await you: Neolithic paintings in the caves of Valltorta (Tirig-Albocácer), Cueva de la Araña (Bicorp) and Morella la Vella; archeological remains in L'Alcúdia (ElX), la Serreta (Alcoy) and Castell de Castells; Roman monuments in Sagunto, Cabanes and Chelva; Medieval castles in the districts of Els Ports (Castellón) and Vinalopó (Alicante); and numerous civic and religious buildings in all architectural styles in Alzira, Bocairent, Gandia, Requena, Valencia, Xàtiva, Castellón de la Plana, Jénca, Morella, Peñíscola, Sant Mateu, Alicante, Elx, Orihuela, and more. THE CREATIVE SPIRIT OF ITS INHABITANTS HAS HAD A PROFOUND EFFECT ON CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT There are 200 museums in the Land of Valencia; providing an ample overview of regional history and culture. No one should miss the IVAM (Modern Art Museum) and the San Pío V museum in Valencia, the Fine Arts Museum of Castellón, the Eusebio Sempere Museum in Alicante, or the Contemporary Art Museum in Villafamés. Tourist information offices provide information on opening times. The City of the Arts and Sciences, in Valencia, is a major reference point for culture and entertainment, looking ahead to the new century. IVAM (Modern Art Museum): Centre Julio González, Tel. 96 386 3000 Centre del Carmen, Tel. 96 386 3000 San Pio V Fine Arts Museum, Tel. 96 360 57 93 La Beneficencia cultural centre, Tel. 96 388 35 79 (Prehistory, Ethnology Museums, Sala Parpalló gallery) "González Marti" National Ceràmics Museum, Tel. 96 351 63 92 Eusebio Sempere Museum of Alicante, Tel. 96 514 07 68 Fine Arts Museum of Casteilón, Tel. 964 35 97 11 Contemporary Art Museum of Vilafamés, tel. 964 329152 City of the Arts and Sciences, Tel. 96 352 55 87 Also of interest are a number of cultural events held throughout the year in the Land of Valencia. Of note is the International Comedy Film Festival (Peñíscola, June), the International Musical Bands Competition (Valencia) and the Francisco Tárrega Guitar Competition in Benicàssim (both in July), the International Habanera and Polyphony Competition (Torrevieja, August), the Mediterranean Music Festival La Trobada (Valencia) and the Valencia film festival Mostra de Valencia Cinema del Mediterrani (October). During the summer, Spanish language courses for Foreigners are held at various universities.
