Calatrava was born in Benimàmet, a former municipality now part of Valencia.
Benimàmet is a historic settlement in the western part of Valencia, Spain. It is now integrated into the city as an urban area, but descriptions of Calatrava’s birthplace often preserve its older municipal identity. That is why biographies may say he was born in Benimàmet rather than simply listing Valencia.
The place name is written Benimàmet in Valencian, with an accent on the final vowel. Spanish-language sources commonly use the form Benimámet, while English references frequently retain the Valencian spelling. These forms identify the same place, not separate towns.
Calatrava’s connection to Valencia is especially significant because the city later became home to one of his best-known projects, the City of Arts and Sciences. The complex includes the Hemisfèric, Science Museum, Oceanogràfic, and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, creating a large cultural and architectural landmark in his birthplace. Benimàmet should not be confused with Benimaclet, another Valencia district, or with nearby municipalities such as Burjassot and Mislata.