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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.

Castle of Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Castillo Mayor

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.

Castle of Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia

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.

Castle views in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Castle views in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Castle views in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia

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.

Capilla de San Jorge in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Capilla de San Jorge

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?!

Despacho Borja in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Jativa is a perfect match for an interesting day trip from Valencia and a part of the Borgia Sightseeing Route in the region. Don´t miss The Jativa Castle, a marvelous castle in the clouds with alluring views and a touch of history. #Jativa #xativa #valencia #spain #castles #beautiful villages #tips #visit
What a castle without stunning Mediterranean tiles?!

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?

Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
What´s left from the Jativa governer´s room - Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
What´s left from the Jativa governer´s room: it should have had quite a view…

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

Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia

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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