The Re-Founding of the Duchy of Gandia, the Power of the Borgia Family

Originally built at the end of the 13th century in Cistercian Gothic style, this monastery suffered great losses as a result of different earthquakes, and what can be seen today are the different constructions or remodelling from the 16th century onwards.
One of the main protagonists of this monastery is Roderic de Borja, later Pope Alexander VI, who ordered the construction of the Chapter House.
Part of the walls of the monastery and the different rooms are still preserved today. The ceilings can be seen in the church of Santa Maria de la Valldigna and the Chapter House.
Open Hours: From 16 September to 14 May, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00. From 15 May to 30 June and from 1 to 15 September, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 20:00. July and August, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 23:00.

Before starting the tour through the historic centre of Gandia, you must visit one of the best beaches in the Valencian Community.
The beach of Gandia is more than three kilometres long and offers a wide sandy area with children's playgrounds and sports facilities.
Walking along the harbour quay to the lighthouse can take about 20 minutes and is ideal for appreciating the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Located in the port district, is a traditional Gandia restaurant that not many tourists know about.
Its speciality is rice dishes and paellas in different versions, although we recommend you try the fideuá (a local dish based on small noodles cooked in a paella pan) or the black rice. The city centre is far away.
It is advisable to book in advance through the Official Website, mainly in peak season.
Open Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 18:00. Friday and Saturday: 11:00 – 18:00, 20:30 – 23:00. Sunday: 11:30 – 18:00.

There are large public car parks near the sports centre of Gandia where parking is recommended. In the historic centre, many streets are pedestrianised or with paid parking.

This was formerly the site of the hospital of Sant Marc, although today its facilities house both the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Santa Clara.
The convent of Santa Clara was very important during the reign of the Borgia family, hosting Isabel de Borja as abbess. Many of the art paintings owned by the royal family that were housed in the convent now make up the museum.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00.

The church dates back to the 15th century and is mainly baroque in style. Before entering, it is worth stopping at the façade to see the old coat of arms of the Borja-Centelles family of the 5th Duke of Gandia.
Next to the church is the old convent of San Roque, founded in the second half of the 16th century by Duke Carlos de Borja, today used as a library.

A place with more than 50 years in Gandia that offers Valencian tapas at an economical price. It is a simple restaurant with abundant and tasty portions.
Its tapas include squid and cuttlefish sandwiches, Russian salad and other local dishes such as cocas de dacsa or les coques als figatells.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 – 17:00, 20:00 – 0:00. Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

The main square is the meeting point of Gandia and where the main attractions such as the Town Hall and the Collegiate Church are located. Next to it is located the Sculpture of Francisco de Borgia.
Although it is not possible to enter the Town Hall, at the back there is a viewpoint overlooking the Serpis river.

The Ducal Palace, which already had advanced facilities for the time, served as the residence of the Borgia family when they bought the Duchy of Gandia at the end of the 15th century.
In the fortification, the Borgias built different rooms inside, such as the Salón de Coronas (Crown Hall) and the Galería Dorada (Golden Gallery), whose beauty shines with the details on the ceilings.
There are guided tours in Spanish from Monday to Saturday at 11:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 19:00. On Sundays and public holidays, the guided tour is at 11:00 and 12:00. Guided tours can be booked in advance by sending an e-mail to visites@palauducal.com or calling +34 96 287 14 65.
It can also be visited with an audio guide.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 20:00. Sunday and Public holidays: 10:00 – 14:00.

During the 15th century and by order of María Enríquez, widow of Pedro Luis de Borja, the construction of the Gothic style church was completed, at which time it was transformed into the collegiate church of Gandia.
Although it has two entrances, the Door of the Apostles, in Gothic and Renaissance style, is the main one. Inside, the altar of the Holy Trinity and the rosettes and stained-glass windows stand out.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 08.30 – 12:00, 18:00 – 20:00. Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00, 18:00 – 20:00.

Restaurant with good atmosphere and decoration located in the city centre. It offers a varied menu of starters and main courses, mixing local and Mediterranean products.
The presentation and flavour of the dishes is excellent. Among its highlights are the rice with lobster, grilled octopus with orange sauce and cod fritters.
Open Hours: Monday: 13:30 – 15:00. Tuesday to Saturday: 13:30 – 15:00, 20:30 – 22:00.

There is nothing better than sleeping by the sea. Playa de Gandia concentrates most of the accommodation in the city, and many of the hotels have a swimming pool during summer.
If you are staying in high season (July and August) it is advisable to book in advance due to the high demand.