Oceanogràfic, Public aquarium in City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Oceanogràfic is a public aquarium within the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, consisting of nine interconnected towers with conical roofs. Each tower houses a separate marine ecosystem, from the shallow Mediterranean to the depths of the Arctic and tropics.
The complex was designed in the late 1990s as part of an urban renewal project on the drained riverbed of the Turia. The facility opened in February 2003 and became the largest aquarium project in Europe.
The name combines the Greek word for ocean with a Catalan suffix, reflecting the maritime focus. Visitors today experience live presentations with dolphins and sea lions that take place daily in the open pools.
The route leads through covered walkways and some outdoor areas, so comfortable footwear is advisable. Mornings or weekdays are better when fewer groups are around and the pools feel calmer.
The facility is the only one in Europe to house belugas in a dedicated Arctic pavilion. The underwater tunnel in the shark tank extends 70 meters (230 feet) and allows a full view of the animals from below.
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