The Miguelete

Plaza de la Reina, s/n; 46001 - Valencia

TOURISTIC AREA: Historical center

The Miguelete, a Valencian Icon

The Miguelete is the iconic bell tower of the Valencia Cathedral. Built between 1381 and 1424, it is a jewel of Valencian Gothic architecture. Its name comes from the gigantic bell that strikes the hours, the Micalet, cast in 1539. Erected in the heart of the medieval period, when València was part of the Crown of Aragon, the Miguelete was not only the Cathedral’s bell tower. Throughout its history, it also fulfilled functions typical of its time: a watchtower to warn of danger, a maritime navigation landmark and a venue for pyrotechnic displays, which even caused some fires on its terrace. It also served as a prison and as the home of the bell ringer.

The tower stands 50.85 metres high, offering spectacular views of València from its lookout point. To reach it, you must climb 207 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. Take a deep breath and go at your own pace: the reward at the top is well worth the effort. Please note that the lookout has a maximum capacity of 50 people, so you may have to wait for others to come down.

Why visit the Miguelete

✓ Its lookout offers excellent panoramic views of Valencia

✓ You can witness the manual ringing of the bells, a tradition declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

✓ It houses one of the largest collections of Gothic bells in Spain

✓ The Micalet bell, from which it takes its name, is the largest hourly bell still in use in what was once the Crown of Aragon, weighing 7,514 kilos

What to see at the Miguelete

The climb up the Miguelete is independent from the Cathedral visit, and tickets are purchased at the base of the tower.

✓ Lookout

Enjoy a 360º view of the city, where you can easily identify its main avenues, gardens and monuments. What better setting for your selfies?

✓ Bell Chamber

Eleven magnificent examples of Gothic bells, including the oldest in the Crown of Aragon, dating from 1305, and the two largest. You can only see it if you book the visit for the bell ringing.

✓ Manual bell ringing

Contact the bell ringers’ guild here to arrange your visit to coincide with the bell ringing. A sound experience that will make you vibrate (literally). Capacity is limited to 25 people and advance booking is essential.

Details

Business schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 to 18:45
Schedule info

• Spring/Summer/Autumn (1 March to 30 November): Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:45 pm.
• Winter (1 December to 28 February): Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:45 pm.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Price
• General admission: €3.00
• Reduced admission (€2.00): Pensioners, people with disabilities, unemployed persons, children (8 to 17 years old) and students. Also Renfe Cercanías users with a +RENFE&TÚ card and Renfe employees with an employee card (with one companion). Educational centres from outside the Valencian Community.
• Group admission (€1.50):
• Parishes and residents of the Valencian Community (€1.00): Schools, secondary schools, universities and parishes of the Valencian Community. Residents of the city of Valencia or the Diocese of Valencia (with official proof).
• Free admission: Children under 8 years old, official guides of the Valencian Community, priests, members of religious orders, and companions of persons with an accredited disability of 65% or more.

Please note that the maximum capacity allowed on the Micalet terrace is 50 people.
Century XIV
Duration: 45m - 1h