Another amazing discovery for my Blog Series: Undiscovered Spain – Xativa, Spain. A charming small town with a marvelous castle in the clouds and a touch of the Borgia history. Check all the details about an epic day trip from Valencia to Xativa.
Xativa, Spain
About Xativa
While checking out the lists of the most beautiful villages of Valencian Community (still left on my travel bucket list) I came across Jativa, or Xativa in Valencian. The name sounded familiar, but I´ve never considered it as a must-stop in the region.
As my research went on, I discovered that Xativa was actually much more than I´ve ever thought – a real-life Castle in the Clouds in the heart of the Valencian Community and a birthplace of two Popes from the famous Borja (Borgia) family.
Where is Xativa?
Xativa, Spain is a small town with no more than 30.000 inhabitants, located only 60 km far from Valencia. While I don´t list it within the hidden gems of the Valencia Region, Xativa might still be relatively unknown for some international visitors.
Xativa is a perfect match for an interesting day trip from Valencia and a part of the Borgia Sightseeing Route for history lovers in the region.
Keep in mind that if you travel from Valencia by train you need a ticket to Xativa because on the train station the names are always displayed in Valencian. While in Castellano locals call this town Jativa.
What to do in Xativa?
There are quite a few historical sights in Xativa, Spain. You can check the official website to plan your trip better. I suggest you not miss Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI, The Borgias’ Palace (Palau de los Borja), Colegiata Basílica de Santa María, Sant Francesc church. Although if you´re looking for the most dreamy Spanish castles, Xativa castle absolutely can not be missed.
The Xativa Castle is open from 10 a.m to 18 p.m for the winter season and from 10 a.m to 19 p.m for the summer season. Entrance price: 2,40 euros Also, there is a tourist train departing from the TouristInfo of Jativa at 12:30 and 16:30. Once there, you have an hour for a visit (it took me 2h though) Train price:4,20 euros.
Parking
There are several parkings in the area, one of them right by the entrance to the Castle (it is almost always full). Most people leave cars at the Parking Subida al Castillo and walk 20 min upwards to the castle
Food
Foodies can´t miss a few local dishes, such as arròs al forn (oven-baked rice), arròs caldós (rice stew), arròs en fesols i naps (rice with beans and turnips), arròs blanquet (rice with onion sausage). Paella is also a traditional eat in Xativa, Spain – much like it is in all the Valencia regions.
Xativa Castle has a restaurant inside. Also, there´s a cafe near the Parking Subida al Castillo. Both used to be full – you should book in advance or grab a bite of the typical Spanish schedule (1.30 p.m – 4 p.m.) Or yo might have a delicious meal in the city center of Xativa, Spain.
First impression of Xativa, Spain
Due to its strategical location, through centuries Jativa played an important role in the area. While approaching the city by car, you immediately spot the Xativa Castle. Once you´ve climbed your way to the top – these amazing views blow your mind. I couldn´t help the feeling of being in the clouds. It´s not the highest mountain I´ve ever climbed, but probably the plain landscape all around it – which gives you this out of this world feeling.
Insights into the history of Xativa, Spain
The Xativa Castle consists of two parts – Castillo Menor and Castillo Mayor – from each one you get a wonderful panorama of another part. Honestly, I expected the castle interiors to be empty. However, in Castillo Mayor I´ve suddenly discovered a few interesting expositions dedicated to the life of locals, caste defense and historical figures of the Valencian Community. So it’s now only about the views – you also get some curious insights into the history of the region.
Another curious fact about the Jativa Castle that has surprised me a lot: in 1150 Europe´s first paper mill was found here, using rice and straw as the raw materials. The first paper was brought to Europe all the way from China across the Middle East. It´s incredible that this small city has played such an important role in the history of papermaking.
Xativa and The Borgia
Who´s never heard of Borgia (Borja in Spanish)?! Or in case you haven´t seen The Borgias historical-fiction drama with Jeremy Irons let me share some details.
Borja was a noble family descending from the Xativa, Spain and ruling the Catholic heart of Europe. They were always quite wealthy, but international fame came to Borja when they established roots in Italy and became crucial in the Vatican´s political life (between the 1400s and 1500s). The history relates Borja with numerous crimes and murders, all because of their grasp for power. The House of Borja produced two popes of Rome (Alfons de Borja, ruled as Pope Callixtus III during 1455–1458, and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, as Pope Alexander VI, during 1492–1503) as well as many other political and church leaders.
Also read: 10 Fairy-Tale Places in Spain that are straight out of a Storybook
Within The Jativa Castle, you could find a small exposition dedicated to Borja. Can you believe it all started here and a person born in the small town of Xativa, Spain ended up being the Pope of Vatican?!
Even though the Borja exposition only has several rooms, from the first glimpse of it you could notice everything is decorated so elegantly.
While heading to the top of Castillo Mayor you should stop at the garden (or what´s left from it). No flowers around, but the fountains look nice anyway – don´t they?
Top Xativa sites related to Borja you can’t miss (besides the Xativa Castle) :
– Iglesia de Sant Francesc
– Carrer Montcada
– Real Monasterio de Santa Clara
– Fuente de la Trinitat
– Casa natalicia de Alejandro VI
– Iglesia de Sant Pere
– Retablo de casa Artigues
– Colegiata Basílica de Santa María
– El Palau
– Museo de Bellas Artes
- 10 Places in The Province of Valencia You´ve never Heard Of
- Top Valencia Day Trips by train
- Historical Valencia: The Borgia Route in Spain
- Top 10 Places to Visit in The Province of Castellon, Spain
- Art Lovers: The Ducal Palace of Gandia
- Beautiful villages in Spain: Bocairente
- The Largest Palm Grove in Europe: Elche
- All Colors of The Rainbow: Jardin del Papagayo in Benicarlo
- Hikes in Valencia: The route of the hanging bridges of Chulilla
- The Legend of Bride´s Jump in Navajas
- Fanzara: Graffiti everywhere
- The Millenary Olive Trees Route in Canet lo Roig
- Undiscovered Spain: Visiting Morella
For more tips and ideas on the Valencia region check my Pinterest Board – La Comunidad Valenciana. For more Spain Travel inspiration click on board Travel to Spain.
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Oooooh I think I just fell in love!!! What a beautiful town! I’ll be pinning this!! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks, Lolo!
Absolutely gorgeous! And it’s great that you’ve finally gotten to see it. I was fascinated by the fact that two popes were born there, and the interiors are just as beautiful as the outside views.
Thank you, Kat!
It really does look beautiful, I am really surprised it is not more popular. I love the tile work and the fountain. I would love to visit it one day, thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks, Anisa! I was quite surprised myself – none of my Spanish friends has ever mentioned to me this place and it´s absolutely worth visiting!
This place is so impressive! I start to think how it was designed and built in such a “difficult” place. I would get crazy castle hopping in Spain. The Community of Valencia keeps surprising me. #TheWeeklyPostcard
This was the same question I had! Even with the modern technologies it would be hard to built smth in this place!
This is such a spectacular place. I’m surprised I’ve never heard of it before. I’ve been in Valencia 15 years ago. I wish I would have know about it then. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Anda! Even lots of my Spanish friends have never heard of it! can´t imagine the reason why…
We’ve been to Morella and to Peñíscola but we’ve never visited Xativa. Now we know we should. Thanks for this nice post and for sharing it in #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks for stopping by!
Spain is for me more or less an unknown. Of course, I was in Madrid or Valencia, but as you write there is so many small towns that worth a visit. Thanks for the tip, and beautiful pictures. #TheWeeklyPostcard badge
Thank you, Tomas! The more I travel around Spain – the more I discover it´s quite unknown even for some locals. 😀 The tourists end up going to the same places and the best gems are always hidden….
What a beautiful place! I’ve visited the Alhambra and Toledo and loved the architecture and views there – but this looks even more stunning! #theweeklypostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Laura! Also loved Toledo and Alhambra: the best thing about the Xativa castle for me is that it is not as toutistic… at least yet! 😉
It is really amazing how beautiful our country is and I hope your articles help people to discover the Valencia Region beyond the beaches. Spain is absolutely much more than sun!!
Sometimes, even we don’t take enough time to visit and enjoy our Innland villages most of them hidden between mountains, witnesses of our rich history. These towns are quiet and calm. They don’t make any noise and it’s great you speak up for them!!
Love your Posts
Thank you for your kind words, dear Lola! Always great to hear from you! Besides, you´re the one providing me with these travel ideas from the area quite often! 😉
What a stunningly beautiful place – the views are incredible – a real gem! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I love castles and this one is on my bucket list! Amazing post, Anna!
What an incredible location and the engineering to build the castle there is no mean feat. Beautiful interiors too.
I’m a big fan of the Borgia TV Series but mustn’t have been paying attention or I’m behind. I didn’t realise 2 popes came out of that family.
Great post, Anna. I enjoyed the read. It’s pinned for future reference. 🙂
What an incredible place to visit – and i’m also loving that dress and hat you have! =)
The castle looks really beautiful with mountains in the background. I am pretty you can get some instragrammable worthy shots at the top of the fort. Rooms of the castle are royal and beautiful.
Gorgeous! I’m a history buff, and I’ve read a ton about the Borgias. I may be traveling to Spain later this year, so Jativa is on the list if I get to go! Looks beautiful and quaint!
What an incredibly beautiful place! Can’t believe it’s not more well known. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Seems like a must-do for a Valencia itinerary. Pinned for future reference!
Jativa Castle looks wonderful! What a beautiful place. You also look very glamorous despite the climb! #FeetDoTravel
The area around Valencia is one of the places in Spain we have not explored. So it was great to get a teaser about the Jativa Castle. Great to know that it is an easy day trip from Valencia. You certainly got some great views from both parts of the castle. But I was very interested to read that there was an exposition dedicated to Borja. I did indeed watch the series! Definitely a spot to visit when we finally get Valencia on the travel plans.
OMG!!! This is very exciting. I love castles and I am loving all your pictures of every angle, sides and rooms. The view is also breathtaking. Went to Spain – how could I have missed this!
Gracias, Anna, for this article on Xàtiva! Great photos. I’ve mentioned you in my comments in an article about the Valencian paper mills. : ) Saludos, Rebecca
Thank you, Rebecca!
Simply amazing! My wife and I are traveling to Valencia in October. This will definitely be on my checklist of places I have to see. Thank you for the great article and information!
Cheers
Andre
Thank you, Andre! Hope you will have an amazing time in Valencia!