Now that October has begun and we’re officially in the Halloween season, it’s hard not to look for things to do in Valencia this month to get into the spirit of the season. But in addition to the concert on October 31 at the Ateneo Mercantil, there are other ways in the city to briefly immerse yourself in that trick-or-treat atmosphere. And what better world to draw inspiration from than that of Edgar Allan Poe?
26 December 2026 17:00
Hotel NH Valencia Center
He’s not known as the “Master of Horror” for nothing. And whether you’re a fan of the American writer or have just heard of *The Raven*, there are many places in Valencia where Poe’s world is more than palpable. Enough to put together a short tour of them, and here’s our selection:
Crypt of the San Vicente Mártir Prison
It’s said that Valencia’s patron saint, Saint Vincent the Martyr, was imprisoned here. Located in the central neighborhood of La Seu, the Crypt of the Prison of Saint Vincent the Martyr is an underground funeral chapel. An archaeological treasure from the 6th century—the Visigothic era—where the remains of a possible prelate were found. The history alone makes it worth seeing in person, but it’s especially worth a visit if you’re looking for that sense of mystery and darkness characteristic of Poe’s work—beyond his writings.
📍Plaçade l’Arquebisbe, 3
Lonja de la Seda
In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Lonja de la Seda is an impressive Gothic building that ranks among the city’s most important landmarks. Not only because of its rich sculptural decoration featuring gargoyles, demons, and fantastical animals on the cornices (very Poe-esque), but also because of the history of its majestic central tower: in its day, it was used not only as a landmark but also as a prison for silk thieves and merchants declared bankrupt (until the authorities took them into custody).
📍Carrer de la Llotja, 2
L’Almoina Archaeological Center
Like an amusement park for history buffs, the L’Almoina Archaeological Center features ruins of all kinds. An archaeological labyrinth where you can find everything from the ruins of an ancient baptistery to burial tombs from the Visigothic era. Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic ruins come together at this vast archaeological site, which Edgar Allan Poe might well have drawn upon for the thrills in some of his stories.
📍Plaça de Dècim Juni Brut
Torres de Serranos
Even if you’re not from Valencia, you’ve surely heard of the Serranos Towers. And that’s no surprise, since they’re currently the setting for the Crida de las Fallas. But their history dates back to the 14th century, when they were built to reinforce the medieval city wall under the orders of King Pedro IV. In addition to serving as watchtowers, these towers also functioned as a prison for nobles and knights between the 16th and 19th centuries, making them not only an architecturally impressive site but also a potential ideal setting for imagining one of Poe’s tales.
📍Plaça dels Furs
