Discover Carlet: Pilgrimage, Festivals and Historic Sites

The Ermita de Sant Bernat is a pilgrimage chapel with a central layout, a two-storey heptagonal structure and a circular central space. Its unusual shape makes it a particularly clear example of religious architecture in Carlet.

The Paraje de Pintarrafes near Carlet has been a regionally important place of pilgrimage and worship almost continuously from the 13th century to the present day. A settlement site from the Andalusian period and the remains of an earlier temple dedicated to Saint Bernard, located on the site of the present-day chapel, have been identified in the Paraje. The Gozos written in honour of the martyrs Bernardo, María and Gracia also date from the 15th century and are among the earliest examples of this form of folk literature.

Trails, Sports and Cultural Programme

The PR-CV 421 Ruta Bernardina is a 15 km linear trail connecting Carlet with Alzira. It retraces San Bernat's flight from his birthplace in Carlet to Alzira, linking a specific route with the town's religious heritage.

The Teatre Giner is managed by the Ayuntamiento de Carlet. For sporting activities, the Poliesportiu Municipal is available to the general public through a reservation system. The facility has children's and adult pools, pétanque, tennis and padel courts, as well as athletics and football facilities. This is particularly useful on a trip involving different interests, as it allows swimming, ball sports and exercise to be combined.

Historic Town Centre and River Landscape

Carlet's monumental sights include the façade of the former Dominican convent. The archpriest's church in Carlet houses a polychrome wood carving from the 13th century. The historic town centre includes buildings in Arab, Modernist and Baroque styles, thus showcasing several architectural periods within the town.

The Río Magro crosses the municipality of Carlet from north to south and carries only a small amount of water. For walks and landscape observation, the river therefore provides its own geographical point of reference, distinct from the buildings and religious sites.

Festivals with a Distinctive Character

The festival of San Blas is celebrated in Carlet on 3 February. During the celebration, food, especially aniseed rolls, is blessed in the church. The festival combines a fixed date with a culinary tradition that remains visible to this day.

In the days leading up to Holy Week, Carlet holds the Fiesta del Delantal. Women wear aprons with original designs. The Fiesta del Delantal also includes a sociable afternoon and the typical foods monas, chocolate and Easter sausage.

The Fiesta del Farolillo is celebrated in Carlet in July. Children make lanterns from watermelons and then display them in the streets. This gives the festival a distinctly communal and family-oriented character.

Carlet's Fiestas mayores take place on 23 July in honour of Bernardo, María and Gracia. They include a pilgrimage during which the saints' relics are carried. Anyone wishing to plan their trip around a specific festival date will find a particularly precise cultural point of reference here.

Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The ruins of El convent de Sant Pere d'Alcàntara are located near Carlet. The surrounding area of Carlet also includes the Museu valencià de la festa, the Mumo museum and the Palau de Casassús. These varied destinations complement the town's history with museums, festival culture and architectural heritage.

The surrounding area of Carlet also includes the peaks of Alt del Trencall and Besori, as well as Parc Bernat Guinovart and Parque Arabia Saudí. Thus, in addition to historical and cultural attractions, the area also offers landscapes and parks.

Discover More Destinations

Estivella, Picassent, Casas Bajas, Jativa, Burjassot, Segart, Rugat and Guadasequies

For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.