Monuments and Heritage

Heritage of Canet d'en Berenguer

Canet d’en Berenguer is not only known for its beautiful beach, but also for its significant historical and cultural heritage. After enjoying a day at the beach, the municipality invites you to explore its monuments and landmarks. From the distinctive lighthouse that stands on the horizon to the Ethnological Museum, every corner of Canet tells a part of its rich history and tradition, offering visitors an immersion into its valuable cultural legacy.

Built in 1904, the lighthouse of Canet d’en Berenguer is one of the most emblematic symbols of the municipality. Its uniqueness lies in its unusual location, 300 meters inland, something that differentiates it from most coastal lighthouses. In addition, it stands on the site where, in the 16th century, there was a watchtower to warn of the arrival of corsair ships.

With a height of 30 meters, access to the top is via a 140-step spiral staircase. Although the interior is not open to the public, its exterior, together with the panoramic views of the Mediterranean, makes it an unmissable landmark for those who wish to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

Currently, the lighthouse is still in operation and belongs to the Port Authority of Valencia. In addition, it is catalogued as an Asset of Local Relevance, which reinforces its importance within the heritage of Canet d’en Berenguer.

It is currently not open to the public. The Ethnological Museum of Canet allows visitors to learn what life was like in the municipality centuries ago. Located in an old farmhouse, the museum houses a unique collection of pieces that show the daily history of the region. Among the exhibits are a reproduction of an 18th century marriage charter, several pieces of Valencian clothing and fishing and farming tools.

One of the main attractions of the museum is a diorama of eight square meters that recreates the municipality of Canet in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, showing how their landscapes and ways of life were in the past. This museum offers an immersive experience that allows you to delve into the rural and fishing past of the region.

The Casa Palacio de los Berenguer is a former pleasure estate that was owned by a noble family. Although its architectural style is not clearly defined, its history and imposing presence make it an outstanding point of interest in Canet. The house is currently privately owned so its interior cannot be visited, but its façade remains a reminder of the opulence of bygone eras.

The parish church of San Pedro Apóstol, declared of Local Relevance, is the main religious temple of Canet d’en Berenguer. Built in the 18th century in Gothic style, this church is a central point in the life of the municipality. Its sober but imposing façade and its interior decoration make this monument an obligatory stop for visitors interested in the history of sacred art. Its location in the center of the historic center makes it a perfect place to begin or end a tour of the streets of Canet.

A walk through the historic center of Canet offers the opportunity to discover other buildings and monuments of interest such as the Saavedra Palace, a building of great architectural and historical value. The old streets and traditional houses complete the experience, offering an authentic view of life in this Valencian municipality. In addition, two years ago a single platform was implemented that eliminated architectural barriers, prioritizing pedestrians and facilitating accessibility in the old town. Thanks to this measure, sustainable mobility has been improved and the CO2 footprint has been reduced, transforming the streets into spaces for meeting and coexistence.

In the 14th century, during the war of the two Peres, the wall was built to fortify the town. Documents from 1482 confirm that the town was already walled, mentioning houses “dentro de la murada”. In 1581 the wall was damaged by a flood and was rebuilt, enclosing the town in an irregular shape. Currently, a section behind the church is preserved, built with the technique of tapia, although part of it fell in 2000 due to heavy rains.