La Presa: Water and Technology in Manises

Water Rights and Ceramics

James I granted the Acequia de Manises a special royal privilege. In the municipality of Manises, the privilege allowed water from the Acequia to be used for irrigation; it also covered the use of the water in ceramics workshops. It thus connected two different activities: irrigation and ceramic production. This makes water a tangible way into local history. If you are interested in Manises, the privilege offers a vivid reference point for understanding the connection between water use and craft production. If you are travelling with children, you can use it to pose a simple question: How could the same water be used both for irrigation and in ceramics workshops? This turns a historical detail into a concrete way to explore different uses of water.

A Facility Spanning Several Generations

In 2021, EMSHI described the La Presa water treatment plant in Manises as Europe’s oldest plant still in operation at its original location. It is a century-old facility where water infrastructure from several generations comes together. The Área recreativa de La Presa recreational area is in Manises, next to València’s water treatment plant. The Séquia Tapà is also part of the municipality’s water infrastructure: the low-pressure canal runs through the municipality of Manises and begins at the La Presa water treatment plant. In the wider region, the Assut de la Presa supplies València and the municipalities of the metropolitan area with drinking water.

A Cycling Route Along the Turia

The main cycling route of the Parque Fluvial del Túria is 27 kilometres long, runs along the banks of the Turia and passes through Quart de Poblet, Manises, Paterna, Riba-roja del Túria and Vilamarxant. The five municipalities give the route its wider regional scope; Manises is also explicitly part of its course. If you are including cycling in your holiday plans, the distance and place names offer a concrete reference point for understanding the route as a longer journey along the river.

Plan Your Stay to Suit You

When looking for a holiday apartment in La Presa, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay. If you are interested in water rights, ceramic history and technical infrastructure, you can make the local history of Manises the thread running through your trip. A cycling tour along the Turia offers a different framework: it spans several municipalities and should be planned as an activity beyond the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Carcaixent, Villalonga, Gestalgar, Llosa De Ranes, Ayora, Barx, Ontinyent, Algemesí

For the main travel overview: Valencia.