Xàtiva: A Journey Through 3,000 Years of History and Culture
Xàtiva, with its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage, is a destination that uniquely blends the past and present. Although it is a small city with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, Xàtiva has been the backdrop for key historical moments that shaped the Iberian Peninsula and is also the birthplace of the Borja Popes.
Excursion Itinerary:
10:00 AM – Xàtiva Castle
We begin the day with a visit to the impressive Xàtiva Castle, located at the top of the mountain. We recommend arriving by car, taxi, or the little train, as walking takes approximately an hour*. From its walls, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and travel through over 3,000 years of history, including the presence of Hannibal Barca, the Reconquista of Jaume I, and the dungeons used as a state prison.
11:30 AM – Old Town and the Thousand Fountains
Next, we explore the picturesque old town of Xàtiva, famous for its more than 1,000 fountains. We’ll start at the Fuente del León and head to the Collegiate Church of Santa María, one of the largest churches in Spain, where we’ll learn about the Borja Popes. We’ll continue to the Casa de l’Ensenyança, the Fine Arts Museum, where we’ll discover the devastation of Xàtiva in 1707 during the War of Spanish Succession, through the famous painting of King Felipe V.
1:30 PM – End of the Tour and Local Gastronomy
The tour concludes at 1:30 PM, but you can take the opportunity to enjoy the delicious local cuisine, such as baked rice and traditional sweets like arnadí or almoixàvena. If you decide to stay, the return is at your own expense, with direct train options to Valencia.
Discover Xàtiva, a destination filled with history, culture, and unique flavors!
*If you book the excursion with transport, the ascent is included.