El Micalet

El Micalet is the bell tower attached to Valencia Cathedral in Ciutat Vella. Climb its 207-step spiral staircase to look out over the historic centre, rooftops and city landmarks from the top. The route also passes the bell room, where you can see a working bell. The ascent is steep and the staircase is narrow, so allow time to rest and to pass other climbers. This is a rewarding stop if you’re comfortable with stairs and want a view across Valencia.

A tower beside the cathedral

El Micalet is the bell tower of Valencia Cathedral, beside the cathedral entrance in Ciutat Vella. The tower has been connected to the cathedral since the 15th century and is a familiar landmark in the old town. Its position makes it easy to include alongside a visit to the cathedral and nearby historic streets.

The climb is the main reason to enter the tower. A spiral staircase of 207 steps leads to the top, passing the bell room along the way. The staircase is narrow and steep, so the ascent takes effort, particularly when other people are moving in the opposite direction.

The climb and the view

At the top, the outlook takes in Valencia’s rooftops, squares and surrounding landmarks. The viewpoint gives a broad perspective over the city centre, and the bell room adds an opportunity to see the tower’s working bell up close. If the bell sounds while you are at the top, expect a very loud toll.

Access can be managed in groups, with waiting between entry slots. That means the visit may take longer than the climb alone, especially during busy periods. Early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the busiest visitor times. The route is not a good fit if stairs are difficult for you or you have limited mobility.