Valencian Castles: Albalat dels Sorells

The Valencia Community has many interesting castles, some of them little known and rarely visited. One such castle is to be found at Albalat dels Sorells, just north of the city of Valencia, but on the underground line.

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In fact you can see the castle from the train, at the end of a pleasant little park; even better you can stare at it from the terrace of a local bar, thus combining culture and refreshment.

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Albalat is Arabic for ‘the road’, because the Roman Via Augusta passes through it. The castle is a bit younger, built in the 15^th century by the grandfather of the Valencian poet Ausias March.

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There is a vineyard at Turis which produces a cava called Castell de Sorells, as the winery started its days in the village, before moving to Turis. They have built a replica of the original castle as their headquarters, which is now used for events such as weddings.

Today the castle at Albalat is the Town Hall, where civil servants are no doubt besieged by all kinds of indignant citizens. The full name of both village and castle date back to 1480 when they were bought by Tomás Sorell i Segarriga.

Inside the castle is a typical Valencian gothic patio, worth a visit and open even on Sundays as the local police can be found inside.

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