Pelayolo

The Pelayo Trinquet is the only surviving venue for Valencian pilota in the center of Valencia. Founded in 1868 on Calle Pelayo next to the Estación del Norte, it has served as a sports venue almost without interruption ever since. During the Spanish Civil War, the facility was managed for a time by a labor union, before the Tuzón family bought it in 1976 and brought it to its present condition. Today the building houses a restaurant and bar, and the actual playing area is reached through a courtyard shaded by a parasol.

The court is one of the widest of its kind, which poses a particular challenge for players. It has four galleries and a very wide, slightly raised llotgeta with no protective wall, which makes play tactically demanding. One distinctive feature is the wooden door in the dau wall, which often stands open and serves as an additional target for players. The floor, which was once gravel and later tile, was given a roof in 1976, turning the court into a fully indoor venue.

For visitors, the hall of fame above the dau wall is a highlight. Five large portraits of legendary players are on display here, men who were idols of the trinquet for decades. The small number of people chosen underscores the venue's long tradition and high standing. As the host of the finals of major competitions such as the Circuit Bancaixa, the Pelayo Trinquet remains a central place in Valencian sports culture.