Visiting the Torres de Quart
The Torres de Quart are surviving remnants of the ancient city wall of Valencia in Spain. Built during the Middle Ages, these fortifications were designed to defend the city against enemy attacks. With their cylindrical front, flattened rear, and crenelated tops, the Torres de Quart stand as a fine example of medieval Gothic military architecture. These towers served as one of the four main entry gates, guarding the western approach to the city. The tours Serranos (Serranos Towers), located to the north, also remain standing today and feature a pentagonal design. The other gates have since disappeared, including the tour San Vicente to the south and the puerta del Mar (Sea Gate) to the east, which once led toward the port of Valencia.
The defensive walls of Valencia
The Torres de Quart were erected in the 15th century by Pere Bofill, who modeled them after the Castell Nuovo (New Castle), a Gothic fortress located in Naples. They take their name from the fact that they previously served as the gateway to the nearby village of Quart de Poblet.
For a period, the Torres de Quart functioned as a women's prison. Today, they house a collection of historic locks. You can climb to the top of the towers for a clear view over the old town of Valencia.
Witnesses to the Napoleonic Wars
Look closely at the stone, and you will see the surface of the towers is still pockmarked with numerous bullet holes and cannonball impacts. The city walls were heavily besieged during the Peninsular War, when Spain fought against Napoleon's French forces in 1808. This was one of the final major assaults the fortifications of Valencia would face before they were largely demolished in 1865 to allow the city to expand.
These twin towers are the remains of the medieval fortifications of the city of Valencia, founded in the 15th century.