Torres de Quart

The Torres de Quart, also called Torres de Cuarte or Puerta de Quart (Quart Towers or Quart Gate in English) are two mediaeval defensive towers that stood as a gate to ancient Valencia.

They were once part of the city’s fortification walls, now dismantled. This fortification system consisted of twelve entrance gateways, connected by a long wall all around the city.

Northleg / copyright

Today, the Puerta de Quart is one of the only two left standing. It is an important testament to what Valencia used to be in its Mediaeval Golden Age and to the importance the city held in the Mediterranean.

Throughout the centuries, the Quart Towers were repurposed to military uses other than defence, and this was likely the reason why they managed to survive to this day.

The gate had a relatively peaceful history up until the beginning of the 1800s when a siege was laid to Valencia by the French troops, and the gate had to stand guard. The scars of this event can still be seen on the stone of the Towers.

Nowadays, you can appreciate this important piece of Valencian history from up close, climbing the steps of the Towers and enjoying the panoramic view over the old quarters.

What you will find is a prime example of Gothic military architecture, much more stern and concerned with practicality than other buildings of the same period in Europe. The austere appearance and lack of detailed decor give us a chance to appreciate the Gothic style in a new light.

The monument is a gate through time, standing between the city’s Old Town and the trafficked streets of modern Valencia. Thanks to its advantaged position, the Quart gate can be easily integrated into a tour of the city’s old quarters and its other Gothic buildings, or lead you on your way to visit Valencia’s Botanical Gardens.

Tickets

Like any other Municipal Museum in Valencia, the entrance ticket to the Towers is normally very affordable, and even free on Sundays.

Northleg / copyright

If you have a Valencia Tourist card, your entrance is free at any time. If you want more information about these discounts, you can check out our article about the Valencia Tourist Card.

Visiting Hours

While you can pass through the gate at any time or day, you can also visit the inside of the Towers during the week and during early hours on Sundays.

Keep in mind that in case of adverse weather, like strong rain or wind, access to the Towers is prohibited for safety reasons.

Here you have a summary table of the usual opening times and prices.

Location

The Torres de Quart stand right at the western edge of Valencia’s Carmen neighbourhood, which is of course located in the interior, to their east. On their western side, the Towers overlook Guillem de Castro street, not far away from metro stops Túria and Àngel Guimerà.

The street that passes through the gate is called Carrer de Quart in reference to the Towers. This street goes from the city’s old quarters towards one of the Gran Vias that enclose Valencia’s most central areas.

How to Get There

Because of its location, the Torres are rather easy to reach. If you are in the city centre or close to it already, we highly recommend you walk or bike there. If you are in a different part of the city, you might want to take public transport.

By Metro or Tram

There are a couple of metro stops rather close to the Quart Towers. Depending on where you are located, one or the other might be more convenient.

Àngel Guimerà is one of the most important stops in Valencia, as five lines (1, 2, 3, 5, 9) meet at this stop. The stop is only 700 m (9-minute walk, a little over 0.4 miles) southwest of the Towers.

Your other option is metro stop Túria, 650 m north-west of the Towers (9-minute walk, about 0.4 miles). Here, lines 1 and 2 meet.

By Bus

There are a couple of bus stops very close to the Towers. They are all located on the western side of the Towers, outside the Old Town.

Here you have a summary of the bus lines, routes, and stops you should use to reach the Quart Towers.

By Taxi

Cabs are obviously the most expensive option to move around the city, and in this case, they might not be the most comfortable way to get to your destination.

As there are many more options to reach the Quart Towers, we would only recommend this means of transport if your departure point is quite far from the old quarters, maybe in the outskirts of the city. It is normally quite easy to hail a taxi in the street in Valencia, but other options are also booking through a mobile app or through a phone call.

By Bike

Valencia is a very bike-friendly city, so we always recommend exploring it this way.

On the official map, you’ll see that there are bike paths circling the city’s old quarters. You can also cycle in the city centre and its pedestrian zones, as long as there is enough room for people to walk. On the same map, you will also see that there is a Valenbisi station right outside the Towers, and others further up or down Guillem de Castro street and Carrer de Quart.

By Scooter

Electric scooters are an ever-more popular transport solution in Valencia. They are ideal if you want to move independently around the city and you don’t want to get stuck in traffic, but you don’t like cycling or walking. Many scooter-sharing companies offer rental plans that let you pay per minute of use and nothing else.

You can park and drive your scooter within a designated area in the city’s urban zone. Generally, you are not allowed to park in the Old Town, but there are no restrictions to park nearby, just outside the old walls.

On Foot

Given that the Torres de Quart stand guard at the edge of the Old Town, it is normal that reaching them on foot is not difficult at all. In fact, if you are in the centre, going on foot is likely the easiest option.

From Plaça de la Mare de Deu, which is right in the heart of the Ciutat Vella, the Towers are only 800 m away (10-minute walk, about 0.5 miles).

From Estación del Norte, located at the southern end of the city centre, the Quart Towers are only 1.3 km away (16-minute walk, 0.8 miles). To reach it you will simply have to walk up Carrer Guillem de Castro.

Even Porta de la Mar, which is on the other side of the city centre, at the eastern edge, is only 1.5 km away from the Towers (19-minute walk, a little under 1 mile).

If you want to get some interesting information while walking through the city centre, we have created self-guided itineraries that you can enjoy at your own pace.

The Structure

The Quart Towers can be identified as a military variation on the Valencian Gothic style. This influence can be recognised in the many pointed and ogival arches, steep staircases and vaults. Missing from the equation are the decorations typically characteristic of a Gothic building. This lack of ornaments is due to the military function of the building.

The structure is made up of two enormous towers built with cobblestones and lime masonry using interlocking techniques. Ashlar stones were used for the angles, arches and upper flying body. The top of the building is crenellated with an ashlar terrace.

The design and shape of the towers served defence purposes. They were made with a cylindrical base at the front, towards the exterior of the city. This outer part was made to be smooth to make access to the towers more difficult. In the interior, the towers are vertically sectioned, which gives them an open back.

Northleg / copyright

The towers are joined by a central body, which presents two galleries, one on top of the other. The first one is created by the semicircular arch on the ground floor (the gate), and the second one by a pointed arch on the first floor, only visible on the interior facade.

The towers have three floors and a terrace. On the first floor, there are three large open galleries (the towers to the side and the central body in the middle). On the second floor, there are only two galleries corresponding to each of the towers. All these galleries are open to the city through large pointed arches. Communication between all floors is by means of steep staircases attached to the walls.

Useful Tips for Your Visit

Here are our recommendations and tips to make sure that you make the most of your experience and you don’t miss out on anything the Torres de Quart have to offer.

• Check the weather for the day before you head off to the tower, as on particularly windy or rainy days, the tower will be closed off for safety reasons.
• You can get in for free if you come on a Sunday, but remember that on those days the Towers are only open from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, and they are also busier than usual. If you want to enjoy the monument in tranquillity, we recommend you go during the week.
• There are quite a few steps to reach the top of the tower, so come prepared and bring some water along.
• If you are susceptible to the heat, we recommend avoiding the hottest hours of the day (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) during the summer months.
• The climb is worth the impressive aerial view that you will get at the top. Remember to bring your camera with you!
• Right in front of the Towers, on the inside of the city centre, there’s a small tapa eatery. This means you can enjoy the view of the mediaeval Towers while having a drink or light meal.
• Even on less windy days, the top of the tower can be windier than ground level due to its height. You should come dressed accordingly if you don’t want your clothes or accessories to fly off in the wind.

Curiosities

In this section, you can find out about some curiosities and myths linked to the Torres de Quart. For example, you can read about the different names of the Towers and what they refer to, as well as the war-related history of the construction.

The Towers’ Names

This entrance gate has had different names throughout history. For a time, the Towers were known as the Torres de la Cal (Limestone Towers), after the limestone that came into the city through this gate.

In fact, from 1650 until 1874, it had been established that all the limestone in the city had to come in through the Quart Towers.

Northleg / copyright

The name that is currently in use, and the name that has been used for most of the building’s history, is Torres de Quart (or Cuart). This name comes from the position and direction of the Towers.

Facing west, the gate was the main way to the towns and cities in Spain’s interior. The village of Cuart de Poblet was one of the first villages on the road there from Valencia.

The name of the village itself Cuart (or Quart) comes from the Latin expression at quartum miliarium meaning four times a miliarium. A miliarium (Roman mile) corresponded to about 1,480 m (a little over 0.9 miles). This was the distance between the aforementioned town and Valencia.

The Cannonballs

Dotting the western-facing side of the Gate, are several holes in the stone walls of the Towers. What you may think are signs of time and deterioration on the exterior walls of the Towers, are actually the traces left by French cannonballs in 1808.

During the Spanish War of Independence, Valencia came under siege and the Towers had to resist bombardment from the Napoleonic troops, under Marshal Moncey’s command, who were looking to establish French rule in Spain.

Northleg / copyright

In the restoration process, it was decided to maintain the traces of the cannonball impacts. Today, a total of 132 cannonball marks and more than 1,000 perforations from rifle projectiles can be counted.

A commemorative stone with the city’s coat of arms has been placed by the gate entrance. In red letters we can can read:

ALS HEROES

DE LA GUERRA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA

DEFENSORS DE LA CIUTAT

Y DE ESTES TORRES

EN XXVIII DE JUNY DE MDCCCVIII

LO RAT PENAT

PERA RECORT, EN LO PRIMER CENTENARI.

In English, this means: “To the heroes / of the War of Independence / defenders of the city / and of these Towers / on June 28th 1808 / The Flying Rat [society] / In memory of the first centenary.”

Valencia’s Moon

You might have heard a Hispanic person say estar en la luna de Valencia (to be on Valencia’s moon) to mean that someone is not focused or absent-minded. Many believe this saying has to do with Valencia’s gateways.

Northleg / copyright

The popular belief is that in the past when the walls of Valencia still stood and the gateways were the sole entrances to the city, there used to be a curfew of sorts. This meant that the gateways would be closed after a certain time of the night.

Many distracted and forgetful people would not arrive in time to enter the gates, and thus had to sleep outdoors. In the streets, outside the city walls, the moon would look at them and remind them of their absent-mindedness.

Brief History

The history of this important landmark dates back to the late Middle Ages. The period between the 14th and the 15th century was a time of great economic expansion for Valencia, so much that the period is now considered the Valencian Golden Age.

Northleg / copyright

This development led to demographic and urban expansion, which brought the need for city walls and gateways. From then on the Torres de Quart have stood through the centuries, until they got to us, in the present day.

Commissioning of the Towers (Late 14th Century)

The Towers were commissioned by the Valencian government as one of the 12 gates along the city’s defensive walls.

Groundwork (1441)

Work began on preparing the site for construction.

Beginning of works (1443)

The actual construction works started in 1443.

End of Works (1469)

After years of construction at the hands of various master builders (Francesc Baldomar, Jaime Pérez, and Pere Comte), the Towers were finished.

Gunpowder Storage (1562)

The Diputación de la Generalidad del Reino occupied part of the Towers as a gunpowder store.

Female Prison (1626)

One of the towers was temporarily used as a prison for female prostitutes.

Napoleonic Bombardments (1808)

The Towers resisted siege and attacks by Napoleonic troops in June 1808. This put an end to the use of the Towers as female prisons.

Military Prison (After 1813)

The governor again claimed the use of the building as a military prison.

Demolition of the Old City Walls (1865)

In 1865, the ancient city walls started being dismantled to allow for the expansion of the city. Only three gateways were saved from this at the time, the Serranos Towers, the Judíos Gate, and the Quart Towers.

National Monument Declaration (1931)

The Towers are registered as National Monument and they appear in a law referring to the Patrimonio Histórico Español (Spanish national heritage).

Renovation Works (1933-1982)

Different renovation works took place in 1933, the 1950s, and then later on in 1972 and 1982. The works included regular maintenance, as well as more specific operations, like freeing the Towers from all the alterations made to render them suitable as prisons.

Parrot Nests (Late 20th Century)

Since the last decades of the 20th century, parrots and other exotic birds that have escaped from their cages have nested and reproduced in the holes caused by the artillery on the exterior façade.

Opening to the Public (2007)

The site was cleaned up and finally opened to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find quick answers to all of your questions. Linked, you’ll find the articles or the sections of the articles that can give you more detailed information.

What are the Torres de Quart?

The Torres de Quart are two mediaeval defensive towers that used to stand as a gate to ancient Valencia.

What are the Torres de Quart known for?

Torres de Quart is one of the only two old defense gates left standing in Valencia. The gate also stood guard during the Napoleonic siege of Valencia in 1808. Moreover, the Towers today represent a viewpoint for visitors of the city.

Where are the Torres de Quart?

Valencia’s Torres de Quart are in the southwestern section of the Carmen neighbourhood, in the Ciutat Vella district of Valencia.

What’s the style of the Torres de Quart in Valencia?

The Quart Towers are a military variation on the Valencian Gothic style. This influence can be recognised in the many pointed and ogival arches, steep staircases and vaults, although the decorations typically associated with Gothic style are missing.

When were the Torres de Quart built?

The Torres de Quart were built between 1443 and 1469.

Although the groundwork to prepare the site for construction begain in 1441.

What is the best way to get to the Torres de Quart?

If you are in Ciutat Vella, the best way to reach Valencia’s Torres de Quart is probably to go on foot, or if you prefer, on a bike.

What are the Torres de Quart’s opening times?

The Torres de Quart are open Tuesday to Sunday year round.

The towers open every day at 10:00 am and close at 7:30 pm during the week, and at 2:00 pm on Sunday.

How much does it cost to visit the Torres de Quart?

A regular ticket to the Torres de Quart normally costs €2.00.

Various discounts (including Valencia Tourist Card discounts) can apply, so have a look at the various ticket options and their prices in the relevant section of this article.

Can I bike to the Torres de Quart?

Of course you can. Valencia is an extremely bike friendly city, and on the official map, you’ll see that there are bike paths circling the city’s old quarters. You can also cycle in the city centre and its pedestrian zones, as long as there is enough room for people to walk.

What buses take me to the Torres de Quart?

Bus lines C1, 28, and 73 all stop very close to the towers, along the main street west of the Towers.

What metro lines take me to the Torres de Quart?

Metro lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9 all take you close to the Torres de Quart. As for stops, Àngel Guimerà is a junction point for all the aforementioned lines. Túria, instead, only has lines 1 and 2.

What tram lines take me to the Torres de Quart?

The tram lines in Valencia all pass far from the Torres de Quart, so this is not a recommendable transport option to reach the towers.

Are there any Valenbisi stations near Torres de Quart?

Of course. There is a Valenbisi station right by the Torres de Quart and many others not too far away.

Can I drive and park an electric scooter near the Torres de Quart?

Generally, you are not allowed to park a rental electric scooter in the Old Town. This means that you should park on the west side of the Torres de Quart. You can see the no-park zone on your app’s map.

Nearby Places of Interest

Given the Torres de Quart old function as an entrance to the city, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the construction is within walking distance of many important and historically significant landmarks.