The city walls of Burriana

The city centre of Burriana, whose origins are Islamic, used to be protected by a defensive circular wall, dependent on which stood square towers. They could be accessed through three gates, pointing towards Onda, Tortosa and Valencia.

The only trace of the walls is the remains of two square towers in La Vila, which is situated in the old city. They are located in San Pascual Street and in the patio of Casa Abadía, in close proximity to the church Parroquial del Salvador. Even though it is difficult to visualize the old wall perimeter, there are some traces of it in the Barranquet area.

El Cid knew the lands surrounding Burriana, whose walls he approached on several occasions, quite well.  In 1098, he stayed in Burriana, which at that time belonged to the taifa of Valencia and remained under the control of prince al-Qadir (dethroned as ruler of Toledo). While he was there, al-Hayib, who at that time was king of the region of Lérida and Tortosa and reigned over it, wanted to take control of Burriana. When al-Qadir heard about al-Hayib’s plans, he bore innumerable tributes and gifts upon Rodrigo, who established his camp outside Burriana to show support for the prince of Valencia. Al-Hayib was struck with great fear.

In the autumn of 1090, Rodrigo landed again in Burriana, where he stayed until March 1091, establishing himself as the guardian of prince al-Quadir by hunting down those who had conspired against him.

After taking Valencia in November 1094, El Cid met Pedro I of Aragón in Burriana, with whom he concluded an alliance. El Cantar de Mío Cid includes references to Burriana, which is mentioned as one of the sites taken by El Cid following the battle of Tévar. 

Rev. PAB 26.12.18