La Saïdia
La Saïdia, officially known as La Zaidía, derives its name from the former convent, Zaidía, also known as the Real Monasterio Cisterciense or Santa María de Gratia Dei. The convent was constructed on the site where the palace of Andalusian King Abú Zayd once stood. The name Zaidía is the Castilian version of Saïdia in Valencian. In the 19th century, the process of “castellanizar” or Castilianizing the names of towns, streets, monuments, churches, etc., could only be done through a Royal Decree, which led to the adoption of the name Zaidía.
La Saïdia is bordered by Benicalap and Rascaña to the north, Benimaclet and El Pla del Real to the east, Ciutat Vella to the south, and Campanar to the west. It encompasses five neighborhoods: Marxalenes, Morvedre, Trinitat, Tormos, and Sant Antoni.
Benefits:
- Rich historical heritage with the presence of the former convent and remnants of the Andalusian palace.
- Central location with easy access to other districts and neighborhoods.
- Diverse neighborhoods offering a mix of residential and cultural experiences.
- Proximity to Ciutat Vella, the historic center of Valencia.
- Access to various amenities, including parks, shops, and restaurants.
Drawbacks:
- Potential for increased urbanization and development, impacting the district’s character.
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Limited availability of parking spaces in certain areas.
- Higher population density in some neighborhoods.
