Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, Valencia Cathedral’s Miguelete bell tower (the Micalet in Valencian) hovers on the horizon of the city. A climb to the top of the Gothic octagon structure is well worth the effort as you are rewarded with wonderful views from this 167 foot (51 metre) tower.
Work on the tower began in 1381 under the master builder Andreu Julià. According to the architectural historian Fernando Chueca Goitia, Josep Franch took over in 1402 and Pere Balaguer revised the design in 1414, before the tower was finished in 1424. Martí Llobet then added a decorative crown between 1425 and 1429.
That crown didn’t survive: it was pulled down in the 18th century. The belfry you see on top today was added between 1660 and 1736.
The design follows a Catalan tradition in which the height matches the perimeter: walk once around its eight sides at street level and you’ve covered the same distance as a climb to the top.
The Miguelete originally stood apart from the cathedral. It was only joined to the main building at the end of the 15th century, when the nave was extended. The tower takes its name from its great bell, the Micalet, which is why Valencians call the whole tower by that name.
There are 207 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to the terrace, which holds 50 people at a time, so go early to avoid waiting. From the top you can see across the old town’s rooftops and domes to the sea.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6.45pm, all year (last entry 6.15pm).
Prices:
Adults: €3. Reduced: €2.
Prices correct for 2026.
