22nd of April
A loop around the Carthusian monastery, starting and ending at Plá de Lucas. The route runs through the Sierra Calderona natural park in its entirety. The excursion will give us the opportunity to appreciate the views of the monastery from all sides, from far and near.
You can check out the article about our previous hike along the Porta-Coeli route here: Porta Coeli
We are at the gateway to the Sierra Calderona natural park, coming in through the Portaceli mountains. An area with a natural environment of great ecological value and a place for relaxation and leisure that we must all respect and take care of.
The Portaceli yellow route is an itinerary marked by the Serra Calderona Natural Park staff. It passes through the Portaceli monastery area. It begins and ends in the Lucas plateau, next to the recreational areas, at the junction between the CV-328 and CV-331 highways. The route runs along La Pedrera viewpoint, which offers good views over the Cartuja de Portaceli, then by Mirador de la Reina, with even better views. Towards the end of the hike we will get the chance to get close to the monastery (although entrance is not allowed since it is still functional).
Cartuja de Portaceli
Without a doubt, Cartuja de Portaceli is the most important monument in Serra. Located in the center of the Lullén valley and very close to the recreational areas of the Lucas plateau which, after visiting the Cartuja and its imposing Gothic aqueduct, is an ideal place to enjoy nature with the family.
Cartuja de Portaceli was the first monastery of the order founded in Valencian lands in 1272. Portaceli was built on the remains of an old Andalusian town located in the valley of Lullén, founded by Adreu de Albalat, confessor of King Jaime I. The Carthusian religious order was founded at the end of the 11th century by Saint Bruno and six other religious figures who chose a secluded valley in the French Alps to live their religious vocation under the rule of prayer, silence and solitude.
This place in Serra was the ideal place for spiritual retreat and silence, typical of the order. From the natural environment of Portaceli, the monks obtained numerous resources for their subsistence – stone and wood for construction, abundant agricultural crops, herbs for pharmacy, pastures, firewood, charcoal, as well as income from rental and census rights.
Cartuja Santa Maria de Porta Coeli
La Pobleta
The Pobleta farmhouse was built on the old Andalusian town of Lullén, two kilometers from the Cartuja. It belonged to the Carthusian order until the confiscation of Mendizábal in 1835. The current building, from the end of the 18th century, is built on a 744-meter floor, consists of three floors and a basement, and is surrounded by a magnificent garden and avenue. It is currently a private property.
La Pobleta was the residence of Manuel Azaña, president of the Second Spanish Republic, when the republican government left Madrid and settled in Valencia. Azaña wrote in his book Cuadernos de la Pobleta, about the peace and silence that is breathed in these places: “In this field, absolute silence, Mediterranean sun, the smell of flowers. It seems that nothing happens in the world ”
Porta Coeli Charterhouse – Serra tot natura
Difficulty: medium (14km with 350m elevation gain).
Technical level: medium (single track trails and gravel roads).
Meeting point: Mestalla, parking lot on av. Aragón, 9:30 (return to Valencia ~17:30)
Price: 31 euros (28 euros signing up by Monday, 18.04) / 12 euros coming to Serra.
The price includes professional guide, transportation, accident and public liability insurances.
Bring at least 1l of water, lunch, warm clothes and hiking shoes.
Members get a 6 euro discount for every day hike. Visit our store to come a member.