Top 2 Castles around Manises

Bétera stands out from the agricultural landscape with its castle and church tower. It is an ideal passing point on cycling routes through the quiet surrounding roads, making it ideal for a snack stop.

Las Torres de Quart or Puerta de Quart is one of the two fortified gates of the medieval wall of Valencia (Spain) that still stand. The complex consists of two semi-cylindrical towers joined by a central body, where the gate itself opens, with a semicircular arch shape. They are located at the intersection of Guillén de Castro street with Quart street. In 1931 they were declared a Historical-Artistic Monument, therefore they are a good of cultural interest with the category of monument.

There are several towers in the old town

Under the supervision of Pere Balaguer, construction began in 1392. The towers were designed to be defensive structures at one of the busiest city gates. They were saved from demolition when the city walls were knocked down in 1865 and used as a prison for the nobility between 1586 and 1887. The back of the towers have been opened so that the pointed arches and the vaulted domes can now be seen from the Plaza de los Fueros. The Towers represent an excellent example of gothic architecture. The Serranos Towers were used both as a defensive feature of the city and also as a triumphal arch. Currently, the most outstanding event that takes place at the feet of the towers is the Crida, when on the last Sunday in February the Fallas Queen of Valencia welcomes all Valencians and visitors to the Fallas and calls on them to begin the festivities. The choice of this emblematic place is to symbolise the arrival of outsiders to Valencia centuries ago along the Serranos trail. (https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-do-valencia/valencian-culture/monuments-in-valencia/serranos-towers)

Great impressions and views, entry costs 2 euros. It is essential to bring sure-footedness with you, as there are no railings installed in most places and the steps are sometimes very high.

The former city gate Torres de Serranos is the best-known landmark of Valencia. It provided access to the city from the north-west, i.e. on the roads from Barcelona and Zaragoza, and was inserted into the city wall, which no longer exists. Immediately in front of the gate, the river Turia had to be crossed on a bridge about 100 meters long. The building was erected between 1392 and 1398. The towers are a good 30 meters high. The back wall was removed in the 19th century so the building is now open at the back. For a time it served as a prison. The gate is the only remaining city gate next to the similarly imposing "Torres de Quart".

Super impressive building. Definitely worth seeing!

The Serranos towers are, together with the Quart portal, the only old entrances to the wall of Valencia that remain standing. The opulence of its architecture shows more of a symbolic character than a defensive one. Built in the 14th century, they were intended to show everyone who entered the city how important Valencia was in the Middle Ages.