Turia (river) facts for kids
The Turia River (also called Guadalaviar in some parts) is a river in Spain. It starts high up in the Montes Universales mountains in the Sistema Ibérico range. This area is in the Teruel province.
From its source until it reaches the city of Teruel, the river is known as the Guadalaviar. The Turia then flows through the provinces of Teruel, Cuenca, and Valencia. Finally, it flows into the Mediterranean Sea near the city of Valencia. The river used to flow right through the middle of Valencia. However, it was moved to the south of the city to stop floods.
Quick facts for kids Turia |
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View of Turia River near Benaguasil
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| Other name(s) | Guadalaviar |
| Country |  Spain |
| Region | Aragon Castilla-La Mancha Valencian Community |
| District | Province of Teruel Province of Cuenca Province of Valencia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Montes Universales, Aragon, Spain 1,680 m (5,510 ft) |
| River mouth | Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, Province of Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 280 km (170 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 6,393.6 km2 (2,468.6 sq mi) |
What's in a Name?
The name Tūria comes from an old language called Latin. Some people think it is linked to an even older word, *dubr-, which means "river" in a language called Proto-Celtic. This would mean the Turia River shares a name root with the Douro River.
Why the River Was Moved
The Turia River was famous for its big floods. On October 14, 1957, a huge flood happened in Valencia. It was called the Great Flood of Valencia. This flood caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses. It also put many lives in danger.
To stop this from happening again, a big project was started. It was called the Plan Sur de Valencia. This project was finished in 1969. The river was split into two parts at the edge of the city. Now, when there is a flood, most of the water is sent along a new path. This new path goes around the city to the south. It then flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
The old path of the river, which used to go through the city, has been changed. It is now a beautiful green park for everyone to enjoy. This park is known as the Garden of the Turia.
The new river channel south of the city is often dry. This is because the water is mostly used for irrigation. Irrigation is when water is moved to help grow crops. The Turia River's water has been used for farming for a very long time. Today, a complex system of channels takes water from the river. These channels help grow crops on the rich land around Valencia. They also carry extra water to wetlands and marshes nearby.
Fun Places Along the Old River Path
The old riverbed is now a green park that is lower than the surrounding city. It is like a long, sunken garden. People can ride bikes and walk through a large part of the city without using the roads. This park is called the 'Garden of the Turia' (Jardí del Túria or Jardín del Turia).
The park has many cool features. You can find ponds, walking paths, and fountains. There are also lots of flowers, football fields, and cafes. You might even see artworks and climbing walls. There is an athletics track and a peaceful zen garden too. Many bridges go over the park, carrying cars and people across.
Near the eastern end of the park is the Valencian Music Palace (el Palau de la Música Valenciana). This is a place where concerts and music events happen.
Also at the eastern end is the Gulliver Park (Parc Gulliver or Parque Gulliver). This is a special playground for kids. It has a giant model of Lemuel Gulliver, a character from a famous story. He looks like he is tied to the ground with ropes. You can climb on the ropes and slide down Gulliver's clothes!
At the very eastern end of the park is the City of Arts and Sciences. This is a group of amazing modern buildings. It includes the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, which is an opera house. There is also L'Hemisfèric, a building with a cinema and planetarium. You can visit the science museum, Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe. And don't forget L'Oceanogràfic, which is a huge ocean park with sea animals.
Two train stations for the Metrovalencia system are located under the old riverbed. Their entrances are on either side of the park. These stations are called Túria and Alameda.
See Also
- List of rivers of Spain
- Rambla del Poyo
In Spanish: Río Turia para niños
