Russafa

Russafa is a neighborhood in Valencia's Eixample area featuring straight streets laid out in a grid pattern and buildings that mix older and newer styles. The Mercat de Russafa sells fresh produce and local goods, while surrounding streets hold cafes, restaurants, and independent shops serving everyday needs.

The area developed originally as an independent farming village before merging with Valencia in the 1870s. This transition sparked its transformation into an urban residential neighborhood with the distinctive grid layout.

The neighborhood houses numerous artists, galleries, and small studios that shape its daily character. Walking through its streets, you encounter various creative spaces that actively shape how the community lives and gathers.

The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot, with clear street directions that make getting around simple. The Mercat de Russafa is a good stop for a break and to observe everyday local life.

The name comes from Arabic and refers to gardens with concrete enclosures, reflecting the area's agricultural past and Moorish influence. This etymological connection to Islamic garden design means history survives in the very language used to name the place.