In the heart of the bohemian Barrio del Carmen in Valencia, In a place where urban art colours medieval walls, there hides a secret that you'll fall in love with at first sight, especially if you're a cat lover. It is a corner that does not appear on all maps, a tiny detail full of legend that demonstrates the detail-oriented soul of the city, as we tell you in the guide to what to see in 2 days. As a foretaste of all the secrets and legends of this route, we invite you to sharpen your eyes and to discover the Cat's House, a miniature monument that tells a fascinating story.

A treasure in the Barrio del Carmen

Casa de los Gatos, Barrio del Carmen

To find this treasure, you must enter the labyrinth of streets of El Carmen, the city's most vibrant epicentre. Strolling through the Calle del Museo, at number 9, you have to look down. At ground level, built into the base of a wall, you will find a small house on a feline scale. This unusual monument was built in 2003 by the sculptor Alfonso Yuste Navarro, who added all kinds of details to it. Look carefully and you will discover its roof, its fountain and even a tiny photograph of Charles Chaplin peering out of one of its windows. It is a miniature work of art, a perfect place to stop, take a photo and wonder about its origin.

Cats and the Cid Campeador

The little house tells a curious legend that dates back to 11th century Valencia. At that time, Christians considered cats to be diabolical beings and bearers of bad luck. For this reason, after the conquest of the city, known at that time as Balansiya, one of the orders of the Cid Campeador was to exterminate all the felines. The tradition, immortalised in an inscription on the house itself, tells that only «four cats» survived that slaughter. This small refuge is the city's endearing homage to them, a reminder of their resistance and survival.

Other hidden corners

While you're here, take the opportunity to explore other secrets of the neighbourhood. Very close to the Casa de los Gatos you'll come across the most visible remains of the old Islamic wall, now integrated into the buildings. Look for the Moret Street, known as the «street of colours» for its graffiti murals, or visit the Portal de la Valldigna, the old gate that separated the Christian city from the Moorish quarter. El Carmen is an open-air museum that invites you to get lost without a map.

Painting in the Calle de los Colores in Valencia

The Cat's House is proof that the magic of Valencia lies in its details. It is a nod to history, legends and affection for the small inhabitants of its streets.

To discover this and other charming spots that do not appear in conventional guidebooks, Aumentur we propose a tour of Valencia in 2 days. Follow the route at your own pace and let the city surprise you with its best kept secrets.