Free Walking Tour: Arab Valencia

Through medieval alleyways, city walls, and often-forgotten sites, we’ll follow the traces of Arab Valencia: from the transformation of the ancient Roman city of Valentia to the rise of the flourishing Muslim city, all the way to the Christian conquest by Jaume I.

Starting from Plaça de la Virgen, we’ll follow the indelible traces of the Arab period through Valencia’s neighborhoods, discovering the hidden Balansiya—the Islamic city that shaped the city’s identity for over five centuries.

Along the way, we’ll discover the meaning behind the various names by which Valencia has been known throughout history, from the Roman Valentia to its Arab names. We’ll pass through symbolic sites such as the city’s ancient religious center, where the great mosque once stood; the Barrio del Carmen, which emerged within the 11th-century Islamic walls; and the remains of the fortifications that protected one of the most important cities of al-Andalus.

Note: If you’re traveling with children aged 11 and under, I recommend booking the other tour, “Discovering Hidden Valencia: A Family Tour.”