Tribunal de les Aigües

The Tribunal de les Aigües meets every Thursday at 12:00 outside the Apostles' Door of the Cathedral, on Plaça de la Mare de Déu, and settles the irrigation disputes of València's huerta out loud. Eight síndics, in the black smock of the farmer, hear both sides and rule in Valencian. The session is public and free.

What it is

This is a working court of law, not a re-enactment. Each síndic represents one of the historic canals that share out the water of the Turia among the fields. Cases are about watering turns, boundaries and damage between neighbours. There is no paperwork and there are no lawyers: everything is spoken, the accused answers in person, and the ruling is obeyed. It is recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and counts as one of the oldest judicial institutions in Europe.

When and where

Always Thursdays at 12:00, beside the Cathedral. Come a few minutes early: the crowd forms quickly and the hearing itself is short, sometimes only a couple of minutes if there are no complaints that week. Dates and other plans for the day are on the agenda and among València's fiestas.

What to see

The detail is in the ritual: the bailiff who opens the session, the formula used to call each canal, the cord that separates the court from the public. Afterwards you can walk the square and the old town. It fits a morning in the centre well: pair it with other free plans or fold it into a weekend trip.

Frequently asked questions

When is it?

Every Thursday of the year at 12:00, at the Apostles' Door of the Cathedral, on Plaça de la Mare de Déu.

Is it free?

Yes. It is a public, open session; there is no entry fee and no booking is needed.

Where is the best spot?

At the front of the ring, by the cord. Arrive a few minutes before 12:00 to get a place, because the hearing is brief.