El Miguelete, a Valencian Icon
El 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, El Micalet, cast in 1539. Erected in the heart of the medieval period, when Valencia was part of the Crown of Aragon, El 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 Valencia from its lookout point. To reach it, you need to climb 207 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. Take a deep breath and go at your own pace because 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 El 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 El 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 El Miguelete
The climb up El 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.
