For many years people entered Valencia by passing through the Serranos Towers, two magnificent 14th-century battlements. This monumental structure was the city’s main gate and claims to be the largest Gothic gateway in Europe. Amble along corridors and passageways as you climb up the medieval structure.
In addition to protecting Valencia from sieges, the towers served other purposes over the centuries. Imagine yourself here in earlier times. For 300 years the towers housed prison cells for nobles and knights who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the towers were used to store artworks from the Prado Museum.
Before you walk through the entrance portal between the two symmetrical hexagonal towers, stop to look up at the coats of arms above the archway. All are early 20th-century replicas of the originals. In the center is the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Valencia, which features a winged dragon.
As you make your way through the landmark building, pay attention to some of the design details. Study the small collection of gargoyles, which are copies of copies of the originals, which no longer exist. Inside some of the rooms see structural pieces of stone called corbels that are decorated with plant motifs.
When you reach the top of the towers spend a few minutes enjoying the lofty views of Valencia’s Old Town and other parts of the city.
The Serranos Towers are open daily except several public holidays including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The admission charge is waived on Sundays. Access to the rooms and turrets is via stairways. Note that there is no elevator.
Reach the Serranos Towers in Valencia’s Old Town easily via several buses. If you drive, pay to park in facilities available nearby. After your visit, go to the Torres de Quart, twin Gothic towers that survive from the 15th century. They are located within a 10-minute walk of Serranos Towers.
