Vallés can be explored through two specific themes: the architectural history of the Sanç family palace and the historic waterscape of the Acequia de Ranes. Other points of interest include the Church of Sant Joan Baptista and a municipal sports facility. These highlights give you different starting points if you want to plan a stay around culture, architectural history, or the regional landscape.
Local history across two periods
Vallés is documented as an alquería belonging to Jaume Vallés in the 14th century. Another notable milestone followed in 1609, when Bernat Sanç resettled the town with Old Christians; at that time, Vallés consisted of 18 houses. These two details mark different chapters in the town’s history—the earliest documented settlement and its resettlement in the 17th century. This places the historical perspective beyond the palace’s architectural history and helps distinguish the town’s different historical periods.
Gothic and Renaissance architecture at the Sanç family palace
The Sanç family palace brings together several clearly distinguishable architectural layers. It is an important example of 15th-century Valencian secular Gothic architecture and was remodeled in the Renaissance style in the 17th century. A gallery with tiled windows was added at the rear. The façade features distinctive twin windows, typical of the Crown of Aragon. The term “secular Gothic” identifies the palace as a non-religious building, distinguishing it from religious architecture.
The dates can also be distinguished: the 15th century identifies the palace as an example of Gothic architecture, while the 17th century refers to its Renaissance remodeling. The year 1609, by contrast, belongs to Vallés’ settlement history, not to the palace’s construction. In this way, the alteration of a building and a chapter in the town’s history sit alongside one another without describing the same historical event.
The palace is very close to the Cànyoles River. It offers impressive views of the Vernissa mountain range and the town of Xàtiva. It is now privately owned. Check locally before visiting to find out whether access is possible.
The historic waterscape of Costera de Ranes
The Acequia de Ranes irrigates the municipal area of Vallés and dates back at least to the 10th century. The canal therefore combines a specific function in the area with a long historical dimension. Vallés is also one of the locations in the historic waterscape of Costera de Ranes, which is included in the Ruta del agua de la Costera. The route offers visits to the best-preserved landscapes of the region’s natural water environment. For travelers interested in cultural landscapes and historic water infrastructure, this connection to the route offers a distinct way to explore the town.
Church and municipal sports facility
The Church of Sant Joan Baptista has the status of a Valencian Cultural Asset of Local Relevance. Together with the palace, it offers another cultural point of interest, while the Piscina Municipal Vallés is a municipal sports facility. The swimming pool is owned by the municipality and is open to the public free of charge. Check the current operating information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Alzira, Paiporta, La Yesa, Bellreguard, Aras De Los Olmos, Alaquas, Montroy, Sot De Chera
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
