Built at the end of the fourteenth century for the manufacture, storage and repair of vessels, they played a decisive role in the commercial and maritime prosperity of medieval Valencia.

Declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949, they constitute an Asset of Cultural Interest. Currently, only the core of the primitive complex remains, a vast rectangular building with an approximate surface area of 3,500 m².

Gothic building with five parallel naves supported by diaphragm arches built in tile. On each of them rests a simple roof of tiles with double water. They were built at the end of the fourteenth century as a shipyard, arsenal and warehouse of navigation effects of the city.

At the time of its construction they were located at the northern end of Vilanova del Grau, a little separated from it and surrounded by a wall and a small moat. The complex was completed with several outdoor courtyards in which there were rafts for “mixing” wood and jugs for storage. Originally, the ends of the ships did not have to be blinded to allow ships and galleys to enter and exit. The shipyards stood a few meters from the coast on the sand of the beach, a location that today is difficult to imagine due to the existence of the port and, above all, because of the buildings that stand on the front line covering the access to the sea.

 

The Shipyards of Valencia, also known as the Royal Shipyards  or Drassanes del Grao, make up a group of Gothic-style buildings, which have enjoyed since 1949 the title of National Historic-Artistic Monument, as well as since 1985 that of Asset of Cultural Interest, based on the Law of Historical Heritage.

These shipyards can currently be visited in Plaza Juan Antonio Benlliure, where we will discover interesting art exhibitions held inside, usually related to contemporary art.

This museum activity has been offered since 1994, when the Valencian architect Manuel Portaceli Roig proceeded with its restoration.

Thanks to this work, it is possible to discover one of the most important Gothic architectural examples of the city of Valencia.

Originally its functions were more commercial. The shipyards were used for the construction and repair of boats, as well as for the storage and storage of maritime equipment and armament normally carried by ships.

In addition to this workshop function, the shipyards have also served at certain times as warehouses, where wheat and other goods that arrived from the port to the city of Valencia were stored.

The shipyards are an architectural representative of the importance of the port of Valencia as a commercial meeting point for the entire Mediterranean, during the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It was precisely during this time when the shipyards and the port of the city in general, enjoyed greater commercial development. It was during its last years when its original functions were replaced by other services more related to the storage of goods.

The shipyardsare formed by 5 ships of longitudinal arrangement, which are connected to each other. It stands out from all the architecture with its wonderful diaphragmatic arches. Outside it is possible to discover the wooden roofs with tiles of Arab heritage.



Dades bàsiques

Horari:

- Tuesday to Saturday: 10-14 hr. and from 3-7 p.m.
- Sunday and bank holidays: from 10-14 hr.
- Monday: CLOSED.

• The center will be CLOSED on January 1st and 6th, May 1st and December 25th.
• During the months of July and August the visit to the shipyards will be made by prior reservation.

Email: patrimoniohistorico@valencia.es

Preu:

Free entrance.

Direcció:

Plaza Juan Antonio Benlliure, s/n
46011 Valencia

Transport:

Bus: 2, 3, 4, 19, 20, 22, 23, 30 and N1
Metro: GRAU (Lines 5 and 6)
Tram: Francesc Cubells stop

Més informació:
Email: museos@valencia.es - Telf.: 962 084 299