BORGIA TERRITORY - MONASTERY ROUTE - CLASSICS ROUTE
Borgia Territory is a cultural itinerary that explores the most significant places in the history of the Borja family, who held the Duchy of Gandia, and whose power extended to Italy, with two popes from this lineage in 50 years: Calixtus III (1455-1458) and Alexander VI (1492-1503).
Borgia Territory traces the origins of the most influential Valencian family of the Early Modern period. The Borjas, a noble family from the Aragonese town of Borja, settled in Xàtiva and later in our city, Gandia. Generation after generation, they expanded the duchy by acquiring properties from the minor nobility of the region. After Alfonso de Borja was appointed Pope Calixtus III, his nephew Rodrigo became a cardinal and later ascended as Pope Alexander VI. He purchased the Duchy of Gandia from Ferdinand the Catholic for his son Luis.
This duchy is one of Spain’s most important noble titles, recognized as a Grandee of Spain since 1520. In our city’s emblem, the Ducal Palace of Gandia, the Borja dukes were born, including Francis Borgia, the third Superior General of the Jesuits, canonized in the 17th century. Here you have an Easy Reading Guide to visiting the Ducal Palace of the Borjas in Gandia.
In Valencia, the Borgia Territory is magnificently displayed in the Church of San Nicolás. In the Cathedral, the Borgia popes built the majestic Chapel of Saint Peter and commissioned the exquisite Renaissance frescoes of musical angels, admired throughout Europe. In the chapel dedicated to Saint Francis Borgia, two excellent paintings by Goya can be admired. The Borja legacy is also present in the Palace of Les Corts Valencianes, the family residence, and the University.
Xàtiva and Canals are the birthplace of the Borjas. In Canals, the Borja Tower is preserved, the birthplace of Pope Calixtus III in 1378. In Xàtiva, Rodrigo de Borja’s birth house stands in a beautiful square. The artistic heritage is also showcased in the Collegiate Church, the churches of San Francisco and San Pedro, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Palau, the convent of Santa Clara, the hermitage of Santa Ana, and the formidable castle, a striking testimony and viewpoint of history.
In Gandia, the Ducal Palace is an admirable architectural complex and the most distinguished Borja monument. The Borja mark is also prominent in the Collegiate Church, the convent of Santa Clara, and the University.
Buy your tickets for the Ducal Palace of Gandia.
This fascinating route also includes Albaida, where the Marquesal Palace of the Milà i Aragó is located. Another highlight is the Sanz Palace, in the town of Vallés. The route combines monuments, heritage, rich gastronomy, and beautiful landscapes such as the surroundings of Castelló de Rugat, where the remains of the Ducal Palace are preserved.
Llombai was a barony acquired by Cardinal Rodrigo de Borja for his son Pedro Luis. Here, you can visit the Church of the Holy Cross. Additionally, Llombai hosts a historical reenactment known as the Borgia Market, which attracts hundreds of visitors. In Castellnovo, you can see the Castle of Beatriz de Borja, which, along with its walls, has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
Finally, the Borgia Territory leads us to two monasteries, authentic rural cathedrals of art and retreat: the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Cotalba in Alfauir and the Monastery of Santa María de Simat de la Valldigna.
The Monastery Route
The Monastery Route is a tourist itinerary that connects the monasteries of La Murta in Alzira, Aigües Vives in Carcaixent, Santa María de la Valldigna in Simat, Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir, and Corpus Christi in Llutxent, all located in the central regions of the Province of Valencia. Within this route, there are two distinct paths. The first is by road, allowing access to the monasteries by vehicle. The second is designed for hiking: the GR-236 (over 90 km long). The walking trail follows ancient medieval paths, including "El Paso del Pobre," livestock trails, mountain paths, rural roads, and old railway routes. It begins at the Gandia train station and ends in Alzira, connecting with public transportation.
Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba (Alfauir)
Founded by the Duke of Gandia, Alfons el Vell, in 1388 to shelter the Jerónimo monks fleeing from the Xàbia Monastery due to constant Berber pirate attacks. Among the structures, the bell tower stands out, where you can find a copy of the inscription in Valencian that records the date and name of the founder, the double superimposed Renaissance cloister, the Gothic spiral staircase of the chapter hall, the church, the romantic garden, and the Gothic aqueduct.
It is recommended to visit its surroundings, go hiking in the mountains surrounding the Vernissa River, explore the Circ de La Safor (a fantastic semicircle of cliffs over 1,000 meters high), or visit towns like Ròtova, Villalonga, or the historically significant city of Gandia with its rich heritage. Gandia has a privileged location, between the sea and the mountains. Its atmosphere breathes a rich historical legacy that permeates its monuments and the spirit of its people. This is one of the greatest attractions of this city, whose tourist offerings can satisfy even the most demanding visitors.
Its excellent and extensive beaches, awarded the prestigious Blue Flags of the European seas or the Q for Quality, are another highlight.
A must-visit includes the Ducal Palace (birthplace of Saint Francis Borgia), the Collegiate Church of Santa María (14th century), its Modernist Church of San Nicolás, the Convent of Santa Clara, the Marina, the old University, the Convent of San Roque, and the City Hall building.
Every year, a concert series called Music at the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba 2022 is held.
Phone: 619 52 40 93
Monastery of Corpus Christi (Llutxent)
The Monastery of Corpus Christi was built by the Dominicans in 1422 and housed the first Valencian University, following the concept of austere and functional beauty typical of this order, as seen in its façade. The main building is centered around a square cloister. The oldest part is the Gothic refectory, and notable features include the chapter room and various novice quarters. Adjacent to the monastery is the Corpus Christi Church, a Mediterranean Gothic-style structure declared a national monument in 1982.
In Llutxent, visitors can also explore its Medieval Castle Palace, which retains original battlements and wooden coffered ceilings, as well as the Baroque Hermitage of Consolation and the remains of the Muslim-origin Xiu Castle. Nearby, the town of Albaida offers a rich historical heritage, including the Puppet Museum and the Palace of the Lords of Albaida.
Monastery of Santa María de la Valldigna (Simat de la Valldigna)
Impressed by the beauty of this valley, King Jaume II the Just granted the lands to the abbot of Santas Cruces for a new Cistercian foundation on March 15, 1298. The monastery's architecture includes Gothic elements from the 14th century and Baroque additions from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the current temple and the Chapel of the Virgin of Grace. In 1991, the Valencian Government acquired the monastery and began restoration efforts, reopening it to the public in 1998.
Beyond the monastery, visitors can explore the historic La Xara Mosque (now the Hermitage of Saint Anne), which retains unique Muslim architectural elements. Nearby, the Font Gran provides water for much of Valldigna's farmland and serves as a scenic recreational area. In the surrounding region, visitors can explore Pla de Corrals and Les Foies, two scenic spots accessible via the same road leading to Barx. Further along this road is the aqueduct known as Les Arcades (18th century), which once carried water from the Font del Cirer to the monastery.
Monastery of Aigües Vives (Carcaixent)
Founded by Gonzalo García de la Masa and his son, this monastery was built for the Augustinian hermit friars of the Aigües Vives hamlet. The original structures date back to the 13th century, but the current building began construction in the 15th century. It features a cloister and Baroque interior decor. The chapel has a regular floor plan with a single nave, a barrel vault, and lateral chapels.
Carcaixent is a well-known tourist destination and home to one of the few remaining Reconquista-era churches, the Ermita de Sant Roc de Ternils (13th century), declared a National Monument. The town was a renowned silk production center from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Carcaixent is also considered the birthplace of the commercial orange industry, as it was here that the first orange tree intended for trade was planted, thanks to the initiative of parish priest Monzó in the late 19th century. His vision enabled the Valencian Community to develop one of its most significant and enduring economic activities: orange cultivation.
Gandia is much more than perhaps the best urban beach in the entire Mediterranean. Among many other things, Gandia is history.
BORGIA TERRITORY - MONASTERY ROUTE - CLASSICS ROUTE
Borgia Territory is a cultural itinerary that explores the most significant locations in the history of the Borgia family, who held the Duchy of Gandia and extended their power to Italy, with two popes from this lineage within 50 years: Calixtus III (1455-1458) and Alexander VI (1492-1503).
Borgia Territory traces the origins of the most influential Valencian family of the Early Modern Period. The Borgia, a noble family originally from the Aragonese town of Borja, settled in Xàtiva and later in Gandia. Generation after generation, they expanded the duchy by acquiring properties from lesser nobility in the region. After Alfonso de Borja was appointed Pope Calixtus III, his nephew Rodrigo was named cardinal and later became Pope Alexander VI. He bought the Duchy of Gandia from King Ferdinand the Catholic for his son Luis.
This duchy is one of the most prestigious noble titles in Spain, recognized as a Grandee of Spain since 1520. In the emblem of our city, the Ducal Palace of Gandia, the Dukes of Borgia were born, including Francis Borgia, the third general of the Jesuits, canonized in the 17th century. Here you can find an Easy Reading Guide to visit the Ducal Palace of Gandia.
In the city of Valencia, Borgia Territory stands out in the Church of San Nicolás. In the Cathedral, the Borgia Popes built the majestic Chapel of Saint Peter and commissioned exquisite Renaissance frescoes of musical angels, admired throughout Europe. In the chapel dedicated to Saint Francis Borgia, two excellent paintings by Goya can be admired. The living mark of the Borgia family is also present in the Palace of Les Corts Valencianes, their residence, and the University.
Xàtiva and Canals are the birthplace of the Borgia. In Canals, the Borgia Tower remains, the birthplace of Pope Calixtus III in 1378. In Xàtiva, Rodrigo de Borja's birthplace is preserved in a beautiful square. Artistic heritage is also displayed in the Collegiate Church, the churches of San Francisco and San Pedro, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Palace, the Convent of Santa Clara, the Hermitage of Santa Ana, and the imposing castle, a historical landmark.
In Gandia, the Ducal Palace is an admirable architectural complex and the most distinguished Borgia monument. The Borgia mark is also present in the Collegiate Church, the Convent of Santa Clara, and the University.
Get your tickets for the Ducal Palace of Gandia.
The Monastery Route
The Monastery Route is a tourist itinerary connecting the monasteries of La Murta in Alzira, Aigües Vives in Carcaixent, Santa Maria de la Valldigna in Simat, Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir, and Corpus Christi in Llutxent, all located in the central regions of Valencia Province. The route has two options: one by road for vehicle access and another adapted for hiking: the GR-236 (over 90 km long). The hiking trail follows ancient medieval paths like "Pas del Pobre," livestock tracks, mountain trails, rural roads, and old railway tracks. It starts at Gandia’s train station and ends at Alzira’s station, allowing public transportation connections.
Monastery of Santa María de la Murta (Alzira)
Originating from the grouping of several valley hermitages, its foundation by the Order of St. Jerome dates between the 14th and 15th centuries. The construction prioritizes the church, with the remaining dependencies arranged around a central cloister. Noteworthy is the "Torre de los Palomos," a robust military-style defensive structure, and the Renaissance-style entrance adorned with the Vich family crest. In 1989, Alzira’s City Council acquired the site, and in 1995, restoration of the historic monastery began. It is classified as a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC).
In Alzira, visitors can admire the Covered Cross, the 16th-century Town Hall housed in a Gothic-style palace, and the 13th-century Arciprestal Church of Santa Catalina, built over a former mosque. Other highlights include the medieval San Bernardo Bridge, the historic quarter "La Vila," and the City Museum.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Casella Valley offers the PR-V303 hiking trail (23 km), featuring historical landmarks, orange groves, and breathtaking views of Les Agulles and El Cavall mountain ranges. The PR-V304 trail (7 km) ascends to La Ratlla Peak, offering panoramic vistas of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
El Pas del Pobre
The "Pas del Pobre" is the final stretch of the Monastery Route and one of its most emblematic sections. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aguas Vivas, Casella, and Murta valleys before reaching the route’s end. During the Middle Ages, monasteries provided food and lodging for travelers, including many poor pilgrims who sought assistance from the monks. This historic path has been restored, enhancing the cultural and natural significance of the Monastery Route.
The Classics Route
This route pays tribute to Ausiàs March, Joanot Martorell, and Joan Roís de Corella, three classical writers of the Valencian Golden Age and key figures in our cultural heritage. The route takes visitors through Gandia, Beniarjó, Alfauir, and Albaida, transporting them back to the 15th century during the court of Duke Alfons d’Aragó while incorporating local gastronomy and scenic landscapes.
Starting in Gandia, where the three classics lived near the Ducal Palace, visitors can explore sites related to their lives, such as the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Sant Marc Hospital, and the Convent of Santa Clara.
The route continues through Beniarjó, Alfauir’s Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery, and Albaida, renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and the Milà i Aragó Palace. The journey extends to Cocentaina, the Vall de Pop, and Dénia.
