La Muralla Medieval
A surviving stretch of the wall that once enclosed the old town, raised in the 14th century to fortify the village during the War of the Two Peters between Aragon and Castile. A 1482 deed already mentions houses "within the walls". A section about 3 metres high, built with the rammed-earth (tapia) technique, still stands behind the Sant Pere church.
In the 14th century, while Aragon and Castile fought the War of the Two Peters, the old town of Canet d'en Berenguer was ringed with a rammed-earth wall. Only one witness to that defensive belt survives today: a section about 3 metres high, preserved right behind the Sant Pere church.
What to see
The wall was built with the tapia technique: earth packed inside timber forms, the cheapest and fastest way to fortify a small village. Look closely at the surface and you can still make out the horizontal lines left by each layer of compacted soil. A 1482 deed already mentioned the houses that lay "within the walls", placing the enclosure at the heart of the medieval settlement.
Visiting
This is a short, free stop, easy to string together with the rest of the historic centre. It makes more sense as part of the whole than on its own: walk around the church, find the wall at the rear, and wander the streets of the old core while you are there. If you are planning a day trip from València, Canet pairs this heritage nicely with its beach.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the medieval wall for free?
Yes, the surviving stretch can be seen freely, at no cost.
Where is the wall preserved?
A single stretch survives, about 3 metres high, right behind the church of Sant Pere.
When was it built?
In the 14th century, during the War of the Two Peters between Aragon and Castile, using the rammed-earth (tapial) technique; a 1482 document already mentioned houses "inside the wall".
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment and rate
Be the first to comment.