Its origins are not known, but seems to be related to the French Jeu de paume.

Rules variations within the generic Pilota Valenciana category are frequent from region to region but the common trait is that the ball is struck with a bare, or almost bare, hand (only some minimal protection is applied in some versions of the sport). The general rule involves two teams made from two up to five players each (the numbers depend on the particular version played). Exceptionally, individual matches are also played between the most renowned players.

The second characteristic being that it is not played against a wall. Instead, this ball game is played in a street, trinquete or fronton (pelota courts) by two teams or two opponents.

The only Valencian pilota variety played outside the Valencian Community is the Llargues, which is very similar to other handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume. Every year a European championship is held by the International Ball game Confederation with players from Valencia, Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. There’s also a World-championship with those teams plus Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

• Trinquete Pelayo
• C/ Pelayo, 6 / Phone: (+34) 963 526 845
• See on Google Maps