Torre de Torrent

The Torre de Torrent presides over the village's Plaza Mayor and is by far its most recognisable landmark: it appears on the municipal coat of arms and is the first image any valenciano associates with Torrent. It is a massive square-plan structure, around 13.35 by 13.90 metres, rising 22 metres over five floors.

History

According to the archaeological study carried out by Torrent's own Town Council, the tower was built in the second half of the 13th century, probably after the Christian conquest, though using construction techniques of Arab origin — which is why for years it was loosely described as a "Muslim" tower. In 1238 Jaime I handed the fortification over to the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and over the centuries it changed function several times: it served as a defensive refuge for residents, a municipal and royal prison, an occasional seat for deputies of the Generalitat in 1494 and, by the 19th century, the courthouse and jail of the judicial district. It has been declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest) since 2001.

What to see and how to visit

Inside, it retains the barrel vaults of its floors and today is used for art exhibitions and institutional events. Access to the interior is by guided tours with limited capacity, run directly by the Town Council; it's worth checking the timetable and booking ahead on the municipal website, since it changes with the exhibition calendar. From outside, on the other hand, it can be walked around and photographed freely at any time, and it's the natural landmark to start any walk through the old town.

If this kind of trip interests you, our guide to pretty villages near València has more heritage-rich villages within easy reach of the city.