Unseen Fortifications of a Forgotten Past
Valencia’s latecomers once slept under the open sky, quite literally “by Valencia’s moon”. This curious expression, passed down through the ages, hints at the city’s long-forgotten walls, a legacy of three vastly different eras. Unlike Ávila or Albarracín, these walls didn’t enclose the city or announce themselves in any grand form. Instead, they lay hidden, crumbling between buildings or so iconic that they’re rarely seen as one piece of a much larger fortification system. The story of Valencia’s walls is a tale of resilience and impermanence, a testament to the city’s unyielding spirit and its people’s adaptability in the face of invasion, occupation, and change.
Layers of Protection
Valencia’s first wall, built by the Romans in 138 BCE, was destroyed in 75 B.C. by Pompey the Great’s troops. The city and its walls vanished, leaving behind few records of their fate. However, the history of Valentia Edetanorum survives in the Almoina Archaeological Museum, where sections of Roman streets, baths, and fortifications remain beneath glass walkways. This first wall was part of a vast network of fortifications that connected the city to the Roman Empire’s core. Its construction marked the beginning of a long process of building and rebuilding, as the city adapted to changing circumstances and external threats.
Following the Roman era, the Visigoths and later the Moors left their mark on Valencia. The city’s expansion beyond its earlier limits in the 11th century led to the construction of a new defensive wall and seven gates. This Islamic-era wall, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Balansiya’s builders, stood as a barrier against invaders and a symbol of the city’s resilience. Its legacy can still be seen in the city’s architecture and the many Moorish influences that permeate its streets.
A New Wall Rises
The 14th century brought a new era of growth and transformation to Valencia. Under the Crown of Aragon, a third, Medieval Wall arose with what remained of its predecessor. This Christian Wall, three times larger, was a testament to the city’s determination to protect itself against the challenges of the time. The wall’s construction reflected the city’s newfound prosperity and its desire to assert its independence. The 12 gates of the wall were shut at ten each night, leaving latecomers to sleep beneath the open sky, a poignant reminder of the city’s long-forgotten past.
A Legacy of Destruction
The 19th century brought an end to Valencia’s wall-building era. In 1865, the first strike of the pickaxe fell, marking the beginning of the wall’s demolition. Over time, the walls were dismantled piece by piece, absorbed into new buildings, or reduced to rubble. The process was gradual, with sections of the wall being dismantled as needed. The wall’s disappearance was a testament to the city’s evolving character and its growing need for modernization. The once-iconic gateways, the Torres de Serranos, remain as a reminder of the city’s rich history, a poignant reminder of what has been lost.
Reactions and Implications
Today, Valencia is a city transformed, its walls a distant memory. However, the legacy of those forgotten fortifications continues to shape the city’s identity and its people’s sense of self. The city’s residents are proud of their heritage, and efforts are being made to preserve and restore the remaining sections of the wall. The discovery of new archaeological sites and the excavation of hidden passageways have sparked renewed interest in the city’s forgotten past. As Valencia looks to the future, it does so with a deep appreciation for its complex and storied history.
Looking to the Future
As Valencia continues to evolve and grow, its people remain connected to the city’s forgotten past. The story of the wall serves as a reminder of the city’s resilience and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The city’s rich history is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and creativity, a legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the city’s future. As Valencia embarks on a new era of growth and transformation, its people will carry with them the memories of their forgotten walls, a reminder of the city’s enduring spirit and its people’s unyielding determination to build and protect their home.