Valencia is full of architectural gems, some hidden away and others visible at a glance while strolling through the city. But many of these iconic buildings and structures aren’t open to the public, so we can only admire their facades. To remedy this problem, Open House Valencia was launched eight years ago—an architecture festival that opens the doors to some of the most striking buildings in the entire province.
From this Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, Open House Valencia is opening the doors to 76 buildings and architectural spaces in Valencia that are normally closed to the public, and most of its activities are free of charge.
The program features a mix of buildings we all know and some of those hidden gems that Valencia keeps tucked away in its streets. Among the former are the Hortensia Herrero Art Center, the interior of Gulliver Park, the Church of San Juan del Hospital, the Guadalaviar School, and the former Vinival Wineries, among others.
Restored heritage sites will also be open, such as the Turia Campus of the European University of Valencia (the official venue for this year’s event), the Royal Parish Church of Los Santos Juanes, and the Zapadores Police Complex. There will also be homes and architecture studios: Casa Estudio Ramón Esteve, Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, Espai Verd, the Finca Roja, and new additions such as Casa Nido, Casa Café, and Casa del Naranjo, among many others. This year, the festival is expanding beyond the capital to include Godella, Alboraia, Cheste, Algemesí, Benetússer, Mislata, and the Pobles del Sud.
How to Participate in the Tours
If you’d like to take part in any of the tours organized by Open House, the first step is to download the OHV app and register for free. Registration gives you the OHV Card, a personal, non-transferable QR code that you’ll need to show before entering each tour.
Visits to the buildings are generally free and on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. If a visit has a time slot (for example, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), you can arrive at any time during that period. If it has a specific time, it’s best to be on time so you don’t miss out. If you’ve registered for a free activity but ultimately can’t attend, cancel your spot via the app as soon as possible so someone else can take your place.
Open Walks: 20 tours led by experts
The urban tours are led by architects, historians, and other specialists. There are itineraries such as “Roman Valentia,” “The Islamic Wall: The Walls of Balansiya,” “Modernist Valencia,” and the tour of the Marítimo district’s industrial heritage, as well as new offerings like “Between Walls and Leaves: Hidden Gardens in Downtown Valencia.” The Open Walks are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. If you’re interested, head to the app right away—registration is now open.
If you’re interested in visiting other cities, Open House is part of a network of festivals in 65 cities, including London, New York, Melbourne, and Barcelona. But if you don’t want to go that far, the event will also take place in Manises on November 7 and 8, with ceramics serving as the common thread linking architecture and craftsmanship.
Other satellite activities are also available and will run through November, including exhibitions such as “Javier Goerlich: Architecture and Urban Planning in Valencia (1914–1962),” talks like Open Talk Busco Piso on access to housing, the Open Photo contest, and an architectural tour to Bilbao.
