The "Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia"The oldest justice institution still in existence in the world.
Tribunal de las Aguas
Where and when?
The Tribunal de las Aguas meets weekly, every Thursday of the year at 12 noon, at the entrance to Valencia Cathedral. In addition to the trustees of the irrigation communities and possible defendants from the irrigation canals, this event is often an unmissable stop for tourists, school groups, passers-by, and local residents, who gather around to wait for the bells of the “Micalet de la Seu” to strike twelve, in order to observe how it operates.
What is the Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia?
It is the oldest model of justice that the people of the huerta have upheld in a millennia-old institution that has survived every reform and political change.
A millennia-old institution that continues to be valued for its uniqueness and flawless operation, and which today is, without any doubt, one of the most treasured assets of Valencia’s cultural heritage.
The Tribunal is characterised by the simplicity of its operation, free of complicated protocols and legal formulas.
For these and other reasons, the Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia was included on the list as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Who makes up the Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia?
The Irrigation Communities that make up the Tribunal de las Aguas are:
