Ducal Palace of Gandía known as "little Versailles", awaits you to reveal more than seven centuries of fascinating history. This extraordinary example of Valencian civil Gothic architecture, which has witnessed the passing of one of Spain's most influential families, the Borjas, will undoubtedly leave you speechless.
In this guide, you'll discover all the secrets of the palace, from the spectacular Golden Gallery, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, to the emblematic Crown Salon, which tells the story of Pope Alexander VI.
Why visit the Ducal Palace of Gandía?
The Ducal Palace of Gandía has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1964, the Borja Ducal Palace is one of the most significant stately mansions of the Crown of Aragon.
The building houses a fascinating mixture of styles including original Gothic elements from the 14th and 15th centuries, Renaissance contributions from the 16th century, Baroque transformations from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as neo-Gothic reconstructions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Among its most outstanding spaces you will find:
- The Hall of Crowns, remodelled in the 16th century by Francisco de Borja
- The impressive Golden Gallery, the Borja family's last great work of art
- The Neo-Gothic Chapel, which represents the most modern part of the building.
Connecting the Ducal Palace with Valencian history
The history of the palace is closely linked to the economic and cultural evolution of Valencia. Initially, the Crown of Aragon built it to oversee the important sugar cane plantations, which turned Gandía into one of the main sugar producers in Europe.
During the period of María Enríquez, the palace experienced its greatest cultural splendour. As a patron of the arts, she introduced the most prestigious Italian Renaissance artists to the peninsula.
In addition, under the government of the IV Duke, Francisco de Borja, the first was founded University of Gandía, thus consolidating its importance as a cultural centre.
Today, the palace remains an active cultural centre. The Palau Ducal dels Borja Foundation keeps the building in top condition so that you can enjoy this historic gem.
Recommended tour of the Ducal Palace
Your tour of the iconic Doge's Palace begins in its majestic rooms, each with its own story to tell.
Tour of the ground floor of the Borja Palace
On entering, the Patio de Armas welcomes you with its imposing doorway crowned by a round arch. Here you can admire the ancient bolt that still preserves the bands representing the Crown of Aragon. You will also find the only original Gothic window in the palace, located above a small staircase that leads to the Crown Salon.
Essential spaces on the first floor
At the first level, the Crown Salon the majestic coffered ceiling is decorated with the papal double crown of Alexander VI. The walls display eight impressive sargas narrating the life of Francisco de Borja, while Mudejar-style tiles adorn the plinth.
The Neo-Gothic Chapel, formerly the Duke's office, will amaze you with its spectacular starry ceiling and beautiful rose window. Likewise, the Duchess's Chamber, where San Francisco de Borja was born in 1510, conserves a valuable 15th century tiled floor.
Secret places you cannot miss in the Doge's Palace
The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Golden Gallery, built between 1703 and 1716. This unique space is made up of five consecutive rooms:
- Heraldic Hall
- Ornamental Hall
- Glorification Hall
- Hall of the Sagrada Família
- Hall of Heaven and Earth
During your stay at the Hotel Tres Anclas, we recommend you take advantage of the various tour options offered by the palace, including audio guides, traditional guided tours and dramatised experiences. You can even enjoy night visits to discover the most secret corners of this architectural treasure.
Tips to make the most of your visit to the palace
To get the most out of your visit to the Borgia Ducal Palace, here is a detailed guide to help you plan every aspect of your tour.
The complete tour of the palace takes less than an hour, although this time may vary depending on the type of tour you choose. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, while if you opt for the audio-guided tour you can set your own pace.
What to photograph of the Ducal Palace of Gandía?
During your visit from Hotel Tres Anclas, be sure to capture these must-see spaces:
- The great hall: take the picture from the beginning to get an impressive perspective.
- La Sala de Oro: noted for its spectacular decoration.
- Gardens: they offer ideal spaces for outdoor photography.
Practical information for your visit to the Ducal's Palace
The Ducal Palace of Gandía is located in Calle Duc Alfons el Vell, nº 1, in the historic centre of Gandía. It is next to the Plaza Mayor, very close to the Town Hall and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria. From Gandía beach it is about 10 minutes by car (there are public car parks in the centre) or you can take a city bus to the bus stop in the historic centre.
Visiting hours
PThe palace is generally open from Monday to Saturday, morning from 10:00 to 13:00 and afternoon from 15:00 to 19:00 (in summer the afternoon starts at 16:00 and closes at 19:00, and in winter it closes around 18:00).
On Sundays and public holidays it is usually only open in the morning, from approximately 10:00 to 13:00.
Tip: Late mornings are usually quieter than early mornings, and remember that some monuments are closed on Mondays, but the Doge's Palace is open Monday to Saturday with no lunch break between April and October.
Tickets and guided tours of Ducal Palace of Gandia
General admission costs €8. There is a reduced rate of €7 (e.g. for pensioners, students with ID) and a special rate of €4 for children aged 7-17 (younger children are usually free). This ticket includes a guided tour in Spanish (about 45-60 minutes) at set times or, if you prefer, you can tour on your own with an audio guide or informative QR codes in each room.
Guided tours usually start at 11:00, 12:00 and in the afternoon at 16:00, 17:00 (and in summer also at 18:00). It is advisable to arrive a few minutes early or book in advance on the official website if you go in high season, to ensure your place in the shift you prefer.
Idiomas de las visitas
The regular guided tours are in Spanish, but the palace offers brochures and audio guides in several languages (English, French, etc.) for international tourists.
Accessibility
The interior tour involves climbing stairs (as many rooms are on the main floor). However, in consultation with staff, they may be able to offer alternatives or support for people with reduced mobility, as they are committed to accessible tourism. Ask at the ticket office if you need to use the lift.
Where to eat near the Ducal's Palace?
After soaking up the culture and history, you're sure to work up an appetite! Luckily, in the area around the Doge's Palace you'll find plenty of options to refuel, to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few recommendations:
Casa Sanchis – La Tulipa
A Gandía classic, open since 1932. This traditional restaurant is just a few steps from the palace (Calle del Forn, 10) and is perfect if you want to try the authentic Valencian cuisine of a lifetime. They have a pleasant terrace and their menu features homemade tapas and typical local dishes.
What to try? The famous figatells (a kind of spicy mini-burgers with liver) or sang amb ceba (blood with onion, a traditional dish that surprises the palate). It's a medium-low-priced place: for 20-25 € per person you can eat very well sharing several tapas and rice dishes. Ideal for a relaxed, local-style meal.
Restaurant Telero
If you're looking for something a little more refined, but without losing the local touch, Telero (Carrer Sant Ponç, 7, about a 5-minute walk from the palace) is a safe bet. Its chef combines traditional Valencian cuisine with a modern twist.
They have daily set menus and an à la carte menu, with specialities such as cod fritters (said to be the best in Gandía!) and signature rice dishes. The atmosphere is intimate, with few tables (reservations are advisable for dinner). Expect around 30-40 € per person if you order à la carte. Perfect for a special dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Al Punto Gastrobar
Located in the Plaza Mayor (right next to the Town Hall, 2 minutes from the Palace), this young restaurant offers creative tapas and sharing plates. The menu is fun: from cuttlefish figatell (a seafood reinterpretation of a typical dish) to gourmet sandwiches.
The prices are affordable (a tapas dinner costs around €20 each) and the atmosphere is very lively as it is in the main square. Great for a different kind of snack without being far from the historic centre.
If you are travelling on a budget, don't worry. Many bars and cafés in the area offer midday set menus for around 12-15 €, including several courses and drinks.
For example, in the nearby Plaza del Prado or in adjacent streets you will find local places where you can eat cheap and tasty food (stews, paella or fideuà of the day, etc.).
A traditional horchatería can also be a good stop along the way: for little money you can have a fresh horchata with fartons for an afternoon snack, a Valencian experience not to be missed.
Don't leave without trying the Fideuà. Gandía is the birthplace of this delicious dish similar to paella, but made with noodles. Many restaurants (especially in the beach area) prepare it wonderfully. If you eat in the centre, ask if they have fideuà on the menu; and if you go to the beach, a fideuà meal overlooking the sea is a great plan.
Interesting routes and plans for the surroundings of the Ducal Palace of Gandia
In addition to the visit to the palace, Gandía offers many activities that you can combine in your trip. Here we suggest some plans according to your interests:
Borja urban route
Immerse yourself in history by following in the footsteps of the Borja family in Gandía. Start at the Ducal Palace and continue to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, the impressive Gothic church where the dukes used to attend mass (and which was also promoted by the Borja family).
From there, you can stroll through the streets of the old town, passing by the Old Hospital of San Marcos (today the Archaeological Museum) founded by the first Duke in the 14th century, and reaching the Old University (founded by Francisco de Borja in the 16th century, today a historic building).
This route will allow you to appreciate the medieval and renaissance architecture of Gandía while you discover how the Borgias left their mark on the city.
A walk along the beach of Gandía
If after all this culture you feel like relaxing, the Playa Nord de Gandía is very close. You can take a taxi or bus (or your car) and in a few minutes you'll be facing the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo Neptuno, with palm trees, ice-cream shops and the sound of the waves.
In summer, a dip is always nice; at other times, the beach is just as pleasant for walking. You could also hire a bike and cycle along the cycle path that links the town to the coast. Ideal plan: Visit the palace in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach, combining history and relaxation in one day.
Live the fallera experience
Are you visiting Gandía in March or are you interested in festive culture? Then don't miss the Museu Faller of Gandía. It is in the city (about 2 km from the palace, easily accessible by car or taxi) and offers a very entertaining tour of the Fallas tradition.
You will see pardoned ninots (figures), traditional costumes, and learn about this World Heritage Site. Even outside the Fallas season, it will make you live a little piece of the celebration. It's a one-hour visit that you can combine into your route if you have extra time and are attracted to local folklore.
Frequently asked questions Ducal Palace of Gandía
What are the opening hours of the Ducal Palace of Gandía?
Opening hours vary according to the season. From November to March, it is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. From April to October, the opening hours are from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. On Sundays and public holidays, it is only open from 10:00 to 13:00.
How much does it cost to enter the Doge's Palace?
What are the highlights of the Doge's Palace?
The most impressive spaces include the Hall of Crowns, the Golden Gallery, and the Neo-Gothic Chapel. The Golden Gallery, built between 1703 and 1716, is considered the jewel in the palace's crown.
How long does it take to visit the Ducal's Palace?
The complete tour of the palace takes less than an hour. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, while with an audio guide you can set your own pace.
What other activities can be combined with a visit to the Doge's Palace?
After visiting the palace, you can tour the historic centre of Gandía, which includes monuments such as the Old University and the Collegiate Church of Santa María. You can also head to Gandía beach, which is connected to the historic centre by a city bus service.
