Sight guide · Valencia · Spain
Visiting Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
The old town's most beautiful square is framed by the cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados and the Palau de la Generalitat, with a fountain representing the Turia river and its irrigation channels.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Boris Dzhingarov, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal is a landmark in Ciutat Vella, Valencia. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Ciutat Vella
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history, couples and photo spot
- Best months
- April–May and November
About Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
The old town's most beautiful square is framed by the cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados and the Palau de la Generalitat, with a fountain representing the Turia river and its irrigation channels. Every Thursday at noon, the Water Tribunal, a centuries-old court of farmers that settles irrigation disputes in Valencian, meets at the cathedral's Apostles' Door.
Tip: Arrive a few minutes before noon on a Thursday to watch the Water Tribunal; the session is short and held entirely in Valencian.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Ciutat Vella, gothic old town of the cathedral, the Lonja and the Mercado Central.
Best time to visit Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Valencia has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Valencia itinerary visits Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal on day 3, together with Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete and Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas.
- No. 8 of the 20 sights in our Valencia things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Valencia.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Valencia.
Near Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
Also in Ciutat Vella, so you can walk between them:
- Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
- Mercado Central — 1 hour, free
- Lonja de la Seda — 45 minutes, low cost
If you like Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
- Estación del Norte — Ruzafa, 20 minutes
Staying near Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
Stay in Ciutat Vella ($$$) to walk here: gothic old town of the cathedral, the Lonja and the Mercado Central. All areas to stay in Valencia.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal?
Plan 30 minutes. With Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete nearby, it fits a half-day in Ciutat Vella.
+Is Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal?
April–May and November, the quietest of the good months. Arrive a few minutes before noon on a Thursday to watch the Water Tribunal; the session is short and held entirely in Valencian.
+Do I need to book Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.