Colegio Mayor San Juan de Ribera, building in Burjassot
The Colegio Mayor San Juan de Ribera is a residential college in Burjassot near Valencia that provides free housing for students pursuing university degrees. The building combines thick stone walls and towers from its history as a castle with modern renovations that add comfort for contemporary living.
The college was founded in 1916 by Carolina Álvarez Ruiz, who conceived the idea in 1912 to support talented students with limited means. The building itself originated as a castle with Arab roots and was later associated with Bishop San Juan de Ribera before becoming an educational institution.
The name honors San Juan de Ribera, a historic bishop, linking religious values with education in the college's identity. Student activities like science talks and social discussions shape daily life and create a community focused on learning and civic engagement.
The college sits at Plaza San Juan de Ribera number 6 in Burjassot and is easily accessible from Valencia, making travel to university facilities straightforward. Keep in mind this is an active residence for students, so visitors should be respectful of the living community.
The building stands on foundations of an Arab castle that once defended the town of Burjassot and was later connected to Bishop San Juan de Ribera. This layered history makes every stone and corner a record of different eras and cultures overlapping in one place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
