Torres de Serranos, Valencia

City Gate, Monument and Tower in Valencia

Torres de Serranos
Torres de Serranos
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel

Torres de Serranos is Valencia's most iconic medieval city gate, a pair of imposing Gothic towers that once formed part of the city's defensive walls. Sitting at the edge of the historic center by the former riverbed of the Turia, it's an easy landmark to spot and a natural stop as you explore El Carmen and the old town on foot.

Most people visit as part of a walking tour of Valencia's historic core, pairing it with nearby highlights like the Turia Gardens, the cathedral area, and the atmospheric streets of Barrio del Carmen. The big payoff is the climb to the top: the terraces deliver wide, photogenic views over rooftops, domes, and the green ribbon of the Jardín del Turia.

History and Significance of the Torres de Serranos

Built in the late 14th century, Torres de Serranos was designed as a monumental entrance to the city as well as a serious piece of fortification. Its scale and symmetry give it a ceremonial feel, which is exactly the point: it wasn't just about defense, but about making an impression on visitors arriving at Valencia.

Over the centuries, the towers’ role evolved with the city. Like many major urban fortifications, they shifted from military infrastructure to civic symbol, becoming one of the best-preserved reminders of medieval Valencia’s walls and gateways.

Today, the towers function as a compact historic monument you can actually enter and climb. Even if you’re not deep into history, the architecture is striking up close, and the rooftop perspective helps you understand how the old city fits together.

Things to See and Do in the Torres de Serranos

Start by taking in the exterior from both sides: the towers look different depending on whether you're facing the old city or the Turia side, and the stonework details are easiest to appreciate from the small open areas around the base. It's also a great place to pause on a walking route between El Carmen and the Turia Gardens.

Inside, the main activity is the ascent. The stairways are steep and the passages narrow in places, but the climb is relatively short and the reward comes quickly as the views open up. From the terraces, you'll get a sweeping look across central Valencia, with excellent angles for skyline photos.

If you like context, consider reading a quick overview before you go (or joining a guided walk), because on-site interpretation can be limited. Treated as a “climb + viewpoint + landmark” stop, it’s one of the most satisfying quick visits in the old town.

How to Get to the Torres de Serranos

Valencia Airport (VLC) is the closest airport for most travelers, with frequent connections into the city by metro, taxi, and rideshare options. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

If you’re arriving by rail, Valencia’s main stations (Estació del Nord and Joaquín Sorolla for high-speed services) connect well to the historic center via taxi, bus, and metro, and you can finish the last stretch on foot through the old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving in central Valencia can be slow due to one-way streets and limited access zones, so it's usually easiest to park in a paid garage outside the tightest old-town streets and walk the final 10–20 minutes. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Torres de Serranos

  • Official website: https://www.valencia.es/es/-/infociudad-torres-de-serranos
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free; Free with València Tourist Card.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go early for cooler temperatures and fewer people on the stairs, especially in warmer months. Late morning can get busy with school groups and walking tours.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for the climb, photos, and a relaxed look around. Add extra time if you’re waiting for a clear run up to the terraces.
  • Accessibility: Expect lots of steps and narrow stair sections; this is not a good fit for visitors with limited mobility or anyone uncomfortable with steep climbs.
  • Facilities: Keep expectations simple: it’s a historic monument focused on the climb and views, so bring water in hot weather and plan café stops nearby in El Carmen.

Where to Stay Close to the Torres de Serranos

Base yourself in Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella), especially around El Carmen, if you want to walk almost everywhere and dip in and out of landmarks without relying on transport.

For a stylish, design-forward stay right in the historic core, consider: Caro Hotel It’s a standout for architecture lovers, blending contemporary comfort with historic elements, and it keeps you close to the city’s main sights.

If you want a classic, upscale option with a polished feel near the old town’s cultural highlights: The Westin Valencia It’s a strong pick for comfort, amenities, and a quieter night’s sleep while still being walkable or a short ride from the towers.

For a reliable, well-located boutique hotel that makes sightseeing easy: Vincci Mercat You're close to the Central Market area, with quick access to the old town lanes and an easy walk to Torres de Serranos.

For a modern, convenient base with straightforward access to both the old town and transit: NH Valencia Center It’s practical for travelers who want comfort and value, plus a simple route to the Turia Gardens and onward into Ciutat Vella.

For a budget-friendly, sociable option that suits independent travelers: Home Youth Hostel It’s a good choice if you want a central location, a lively atmosphere, and easy walking access to major landmarks.

Is the Torres de Serranos Worth Visiting?

Yes, it's absolutely worth visiting: Torres de Serranos is one of Valencia's most recognizable monuments, and the climb delivers some of the best “big picture” views you can get without committing to a long activity. It's quick, affordable, and fits perfectly into a walking day in the old town.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike steep stairs, get anxious in narrow passages, or need step-free access, you’ll likely enjoy the towers more from the outside than from the terraces. Also, if you’re looking for a deeply curated museum-style experience with lots of exhibits and explanations, you may find the visit a bit minimal beyond the architecture and viewpoint.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (48,700)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers praising the towers as an impressive 14th-century Gothic monument and a must-see landmark in Valencia. The most common highlights are the panoramic views from the top, the strong “old city” atmosphere, and the low-cost ticket that makes it an easy add-on to a walking day. The main drawbacks mentioned are the steep, numerous stairs (not ideal for anyone unfit or with mobility limitations), narrow areas near the top that can feel cramped, and limited on-site explanations—many visitors recommend reading up beforehand or joining a tour.

Alexander SpecLED
2 weeks ago
"Built in the 14th century (1392–1398) under the direction of the architect Pere Balaguer in the Gothic style, as part of the city's defensive wallsystem.n• They served not only as fortifications but also as the official ceremonial entrance to the city, where ambassadors and important guests were received.n• From 1586–1587, the towers were used as a prison for nobles and knights after a fire at Valencia's main prison.n• In the 19th century, most of the city wall was demolished, but the Serrano Towers remained and were restored.n• During the Spanish Civil War in the 20th century, the towers housed art treasures from the Prado Museum...."
Travel Enjoy life
3 months ago
"So you have to buy a two euro ticket to go to the top it’s not for unfit people. There’s a lot of steps that you have to climb to get the top and asyou can see from the photos, the view at the top is awesome. And if you wa a take a picture of yourself, etc., it makes a really good viewpoint. You’ll see from all the photos and the videos I’ve took it. Is it well worth visiting in my opinion..."
Kay Bee
4 months ago
"Even though it was cloudy day, we decided to check out this place. Figured it won’t be too hot even if we climbed the 132 steps. I lost count after50. The views are great but the area is narrow. There was a school trip so it got crowded at times. It got steeper and the stairs narrower as we got to the top. Definitely started to feel vertigo and had to get back on solid ground after a bit...."

For Different Travelers

Torres de Serranos works best as a short, high-impact stop: a landmark photo, a bit of medieval atmosphere, and a viewpoint that helps you orient yourself in Valencia. It's easy to combine with nearby parks, cafés, and other historic sites.

Families with Kids

Kids who like “castle-like” places usually enjoy the sense of climbing a real tower and looking out over the city. It’s also a good way to break up a museum-heavy day with something more active.

That said, the stairs are steep and the top areas can feel tight when crowded, so it’s best with older children who can manage steps confidently. Keep a close eye near edges and in narrow stair sections.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the towers are a simple, memorable shared moment: climb together, take skyline photos, and then wander back into El Carmen for a drink or tapas. The setting feels especially atmospheric when the light is soft and the streets are calmer.

It's not a long “date activity,” but it pairs well with a slow walking route through the old town and a stroll in the Turia Gardens afterward.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the best-value viewpoints in Valencia, especially if you're building a day around free or low-cost attractions. You can enjoy the exterior, the surrounding neighborhood, and the Turia Gardens with minimal spending.

If you’re optimizing costs, consider timing your visit around free-entry periods (when available) and then plan a picnic-style break in the nearby green spaces.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate that this isn’t a reconstructed set piece: it’s a genuine medieval gate tied to Valencia’s former wall system. The scale and design make more sense when you imagine it as both defense and civic “front door.”

To get more out of the visit, pair it with a guided old-town walk or a bit of pre-reading so you can connect the towers to the city’s broader medieval layout and later transformations.

FAQs for Visiting Torres de Serranos

Getting There

Yes, it sits right on the edge of the historic center and is easy to reach on foot from El Carmen and the cathedral area. It’s also a natural link between the old town and the Turia Gardens.
Walking and city buses are the simplest options if you’re already central. From farther out, metro + a short walk or a taxi drop-off works well.
Yes, it fits perfectly into a self-guided loop through Ciutat Vella, then out to the Turia Gardens. Many guided walking tours also include it as a landmark stop.

Tickets & Entry

Usually no; most visitors buy tickets on-site and keep the visit spontaneous. If you’re traveling in peak season, arriving earlier helps avoid queues.
Discounts and free-entry schemes can apply depending on the day and visitor category. If you have a city tourist card, check whether it includes municipal monuments.
Access can be restricted for safety in strong wind, rain, or low visibility. If conditions look unstable, plan a flexible schedule and have an indoor backup nearby.

Visiting Experience

It’s a steady climb with many steps and some narrow sections, so it can feel intense if you’re not used to stairs. Take it slowly and let faster groups pass when possible.
It can be, especially when school groups or tours arrive. If you want more space for photos, aim for earlier hours.
The architecture itself is the main feature, plus the sense of being inside a medieval gate. Treat it as a short monument visit rather than a full museum experience.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Independent visits are easy and quick, but a guided walk adds context about the old walls and the neighborhood. If you enjoy stories and history, a tour is worth it.
Combine it with a stroll through El Carmen, then head into the Turia Gardens for a greener, more relaxed stretch. You can also continue toward the cathedral area afterward.
Yes, because the viewpoint helps you orient yourself and understand the city’s layout. It’s a strong “day one” landmark before deeper sightseeing.

Photography

Photograph the towers from both the city side and the Turia side for different perspectives. From the top, look for skyline layers and the green corridor of the former riverbed.
Yes, but space can be tight when it’s busy, so be patient and take turns. A wide-angle lens (or phone wide mode) helps in narrow areas.
It can be, but closing times may limit true sunset shots depending on the season. For golden light, aim for late afternoon and check the day’s closing time.

Accessibility & Facilities

No, the experience relies on stair access and there’s no elevator to the terraces. If you need step-free viewpoints, consider city viewpoints at ground level or accessible rooftops elsewhere.
Rest spots are limited, so plan short pauses on the way up and down. If you need a longer break, nearby cafés and the Turia Gardens are better options.
Facilities can be limited in historic monuments, so it’s smart to use restrooms before you enter. Plan a café stop nearby if needed.

Food & Breaks Nearby

El Carmen has plenty of cafés within a short walk, making it easy to turn the visit into a relaxed neighborhood wander. The area is especially good for casual breaks between sights.
Yes, the Turia Gardens are close and are ideal for a low-cost break on a nice day. Pick up snacks in the center and head to the green spaces.
Definitely; the old town is one of Valencia’s best areas for tapas-style grazing. Visit the towers first, then settle into a slower food-and-stroll rhythm.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a well-visited landmark, but use normal city awareness around crowds and keep valuables secure. On the stairs, watch your footing and let others pass safely.
Early opening hours are typically calmer and cooler. Midday and weekends can be busier, especially with group visits.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for stone steps. In summer, bring water and sun protection for the exposed terrace areas.

Nearby Attractions to the Torres de Serranos

  • Jardín del Turia: Valencia’s former riverbed turned into a long, leafy park that’s perfect for walking, cycling, and relaxed breaks.
  • Barrio del Carmen: A historic neighborhood of narrow streets, street art, and lively cafés, ideal for wandering before or after the towers.
  • Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María): A major landmark in the old town with a grand interior and a busy surrounding plaza scene.
  • La Lonja de la Seda: A celebrated Gothic-era building that showcases Valencia's mercantile history and architectural detail.
  • Torres de Quart: Another surviving medieval gate-tower pair, offering a complementary look at the city's old defenses.

The Torres de Serranos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00-19:00.

Sunday: 10:00-14:00.

Price:

Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free; Free with València Tourist Card.

Address: C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 2 km
Telephone: +34 963 52 54 78
Official Website

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