There are many reasons to visit Gandia at any time of the year, but many visitors do not know that Gandia has its very own stately home, the Ducal Palace Gandia. And well worth a visit it is too, with most people saying what a great surprise it is.
Situated close to the end of the “passeo” and looking out directly over the river Serpis, it was constructed in the 14th century and became effectively the summer palace of the infamous Borja family, who had their origins in the nearby inland town of Xativa. After the well known and often shady misdemeanors of his predecessors (think Cesar, Lucrezia, and the two popes the family produced, amongst others!) Francis Borja was born here in 1510. He went on to found the Jesuit College in the town and oversaw the so-called Golden Age of Gandia with its economic prosperity and was later canonised St Francis Borja. In anticipation of the celebrations in 2010 to mark the 500th anniversary of his birth, the palace was the subject of much restoration work and it is now a most impressive site to visit.
With only a modest street frontage, it would be easy to pass by but once inside the entrance, a beautiful, large courtyard gives access to the rest of the building. A succession of large galleries and hallways, often featuring beautiful tiles, mirrors and gold décor, as well as smaller, more modest rooms like Francis’ cell-like bedroom all come as a huge surprise to the casual visitor. You can take a conducted tour if you wish, but most people prefer to go at their own pace from room to room, armed with a set of headphones (which you get to keep!) that links to a commentary system telling you about the room you are in at the time. You can choose the language – and it doesn’t get confused about which room you are in either, so the commentary is always relevant!
We took some visiting friends to the Ducal Palace Gandia this year and they were suitably impressed with what lay behind what looked an initially modest exterior. The entrance charge is very reasonable (€6 for adults, with reductions for students and seniors) and so represents excellent value. Visiting an historic building or stately home may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Ducal Palace Gandia, always comes as a pleasant surprise even to the reluctant and sceptical visitor. It is open 7 days a week (although mornings only on a Sunday) and closes for the traditional siesta but is a surprisingly interesting way to pass a couple of hours – and lots of cafés and restaurants are right nearby for lunch or a drink afterwards.
A visit to the Ducal Palace of Gandia. Surround yourself with history within the walls of a 600 year old building. Discover the legacy of the Borgia (Borja) family in Gandia, visiting one of its best known residences with history dating back to the Kings of Aragon. www.palauducal.com