Tribunal de les Aigües

Tribunal de las Aguas / Water Tribunal

The horta (Spanish: huerta), the fertile region surrounding Valencia, has relied on artificial irrigation since antiquity. The tribunal was developed to mediate disputes between farmers, and is believed to date back to Roman times; it has operated in its current form since the Moorish era. The court consists of nine representatives who meet in public and issue judgments on water rights and usage. Proceedings are conducted in Valencian and verdicts are issued orally. Although today the court is largely ceremonial, verdicts are considered legally binding by the highest court in Madrid and by the EU. In 2009 it was listed by UNESCO as an 'intangible cultural heritage'.

• free

Address

In front of the cathedral's Puerta de los Apóstoles

Getting there

SE corner of the Plaça de la Verge

Hours

Every Thu at noon; it is best to get here no later than 11:30 to secure a good spot

Price

Free

Website

tribunaldelasaguas.org (opens in a new tab)