A tower of an Arab alquería is the origin of the Portal de Massalavés; the surrounding area is characterised by flat terrain and changing cultivated fields. The Ullals springs in nearby Benimodo are another feature. When planning, it is worth treating local history and excursions in the surrounding area as separate focuses.

History at the Portal de Massalavés

At the time of the Christian conquest, Masalavés was an alquería; King James I gave it to Pedro del Milá in 1247. The Portal de Massalavés originated as a tower of an Arab alquería. After the Christian conquest, the portal was extended to create a fortress. This makes it possible to trace the town’s history through a specific structure.

During restoration, the original building materials were made visible. The portal thus connects its historical development with an outcome of the restoration: the materials of the original structure can once again be seen. For visitors, this offers a distinct perspective alongside the town’s historical timeline.

The church and memories of everyday life

The parish church of San Miguel Arcángel and Santa María Magdalena is located in a pleasant square next to the restored portal. The church and portal thus form a shared historical landmark in Masalavés. An architectural analysis of the church is not necessary for this perspective on the town; what is especially interesting here is its location next to the portal.

The fully restored public washhouse offers another way to connect with local history. It is considered a symbol of what life in Massalavés was like a few decades ago. The portal, church and washhouse offer different points of focus: the history of a structure, a prominent feature of the townscape and memories of everyday life. This is a different theme from exploring the landscape.

The Ullals springs and the flat surrounding area

The Ullals springs are in Benimodo, near the town centre of Masalavés. The Verde River, a tributary of the Júcar, springs from them. The springs can be visited on foot or by bicycle; the area around Masalavés can also be explored in both ways.

The surrounding area is flat, with a variety of cultivated fields. This gives you two different focuses for an outing: the springs as a specific natural attraction or the wider, agricultural landscape. The description of the landscape as flat refers to the terrain; it does not automatically indicate the difficulty of individual routes. If you enjoy walking or cycling, you can include the springs and the surrounding area as separate options in your plans.

Local cuisine and festivals

L’arròs amb fesols i naps is one of the standout dishes of Masalavés’ local cuisine. It is a specific culinary highlight alongside the historical and landscape-related themes. The patron saint festivals in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de Masalavés are celebrated in honour of the municipality’s patron saint. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, check the specific dates for your travel dates.

Accommodation and planning

A metro line connects Massalavés with València. You can take this connection into account when planning your trip; check the timetable for your intended travel dates. It complements the other possible focuses of your stay, without making local history, the surrounding area and the connection to the city part of the same itinerary.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Masalavés, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on: are you most interested in the history of the portal, the Ullals springs and routes through the flat surrounding area, local cuisine or the connection to València? For your plans, you can also check festival dates and the timetable separately if both matter for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Rocafort, Albalat Dels Taronchers, Xirivella, Almàssera, La Drova, Rótova, Siete Aguas, Picanya.

For the main travel overview: Valencia.