Torres de Serranos facts for kids
The Serrans Gate or Serranos Gate (Valencian: Porta dels Serrans, Valencian: [ˈpɔɾta ðels seˈrans]; Spanish: Puerta de Serranos, [ˈpweɾta ðe seˈranos]) is a famous old gate in Valencia, Spain. It is also known as the Serrans Towers or Serranos Towers (Valencian: Torres dels Serrans, Valencian: [ˈtorez ðels seˈrans]; Spanish: Torres de Serranos, [ˈtores ðe seˈranos]). This gate was built in the Valencian Gothic style. Construction happened between 1392 and 1398. It was once part of the city's ancient wall, called the Christian Wall.
The gate's name likely comes from its location. It was the main entry point for travelers coming from the "Els Serrans" area. This region is known for its mountains. People from there were sometimes called serrans, meaning "mountain people." Another idea is that it was named after an important family called Serrans.
Today, the Serrans Gate is a very important landmark in Valencia. It is one of the best-preserved old buildings. Most of the old city wall was taken down in 1865. Only the Serrans Towers, the Quart Towers, and a few other small ruins remain. The Serrans Towers were built by Pere Balaguer. They were the city's main entrance and were meant to defend it. For many years, from 1586 to 1887, the towers were even used as a prison for important people.
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Building the Towers
The Valencian government asked architect Pere Balaguer to build the Serrans Towers. He got ideas from other Gothic gates. These gates had towers with many sides, like the Porta de Sant Miquel in Morella. He also looked at the Royal Gate of the Poblet Monastery.
Work on the towers started on April 6, 1392. They were built on the site of an even older gate. The walls are very strong and made of solid stone. This was important for defense. The outside of the towers is covered with limestone. This stone came from Alginet, a town near Valencia. It made the building look more fancy and important.
In 1397, the towers were almost finished. But people realized the main entrance needed to be better. So, a huge stone staircase was added. This made the building bigger and easier to use. It was perfect for welcoming important visitors. All the building work was finished in March 1398.
History and Uses
For a long time, the main job of the Serrans Towers was to protect the city. They were ready if the city was attacked. But they were also used for special events. Important people like ambassadors and kings were welcomed here. This was because the towers were seen as the main entrance to the city.
In 1586, a big prison in Valencia burned down. So, the towers were turned into a prison. Important knights and nobles were kept there. This continued until 1887. After that, the prisoners moved to another place. Since then, the towers have been used for many different things. They host official events and also serve as a museum.
During the Spanish Civil War, valuable artworks were stored inside the towers. These artworks came from the famous Prado Museum. To protect them, some changes were made in 1936. A thick layer of reinforced concrete was put on the first floor. This was to keep the art safe if the towers were bombed. On top of the concrete, there was a layer of rice husks. This helped to cushion any impact. Then, a layer of soil was added. More soil was put on the second floor. The very top of the towers was covered with sandbags. A special system was also put in place. It controlled the temperature and humidity. This project was led by José Lino Vaamonde. He was an architect for the Artistic Treasures Board.
Restoring the Towers
The Serrans Towers survived when the city wall was torn down. This was because they were used as a prison. But the building was damaged, especially inside. The big arches that opened to the inside were walled up. New windows were put into the outside walls. The battlements, which are the parts that look like teeth on top of a castle, disappeared.
In 1871, the city decided to fill in the ditch in front of the gate. This changed how the building looked. From 1893 to 1914, the towers were restored. This work was done by The Royal Academy of San Carlos. The sculptor José Aixá was in charge. In 2000, the stone surfaces were cleaned. This gave the building the look it has today.
What They Are Used For Now
Today, the Serrans Towers are open for everyone to visit. They are also used for many important ceremonies in Valencia. The most famous event is the crida. This is the opening ceremony for the Fallas festival. On the last Sunday of February, the Fallera Mayor (who is like the main lady of the Fallas) announces the start of the festival. She does this from a platform in front of the towers. After her speech, everyone sings the anthem of the Valencian Community and the Marcha Real.
See also
In Spanish: Torres de Serranos para niños
