Xàtiva is one of the towns with more historical and cultural richness of the Valencian Community. In the heart of the Castell mountain range and with almost 30,000 inhabitants, it has seen all kinds of cultures wander through its streets: Romans, Jews, Muslims..
It was one of the most important cities of the Kingdom of Valencia, competing with Valencia itself and the birthplace of one of the most influential families of the Middle Ages, the Borgia (or Borgia in its Italian version). It is one of the perfect winter getaways and, also at this time of the year, you can enjoy its nativity scene.
The castle and the wall
For those who do not know the town, the castle is the first attraction on the list of things to visit. And what you probably do not know a priori is that the castle is actually formed by two: the Castell Menor, which faces east, of Iberian construction and which was the original of this fortress; and the Castell Major, built later in the medieval period, which, being located at a higher altitude, offers incredible views: to the north, the city and the banks of the Júcar river; to the south, the Mariola, Grossa and Benicadell mountain ranges; to the west, the border with the community of Castilla La Mancha; and to the east, when you have good visibility, you can get to see the Mediterráneo sea.
The Castell Menor was the setting for the stories of one of the most famous generals of the Roman era in the peninsula: Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who crossed the Pyrenees and the Alps with elephants to surprise and defeat Rome. He was the husband of the Iberian princess Himilce and it is said that this fortress is where their son was born in 218 BC.
What you can not miss in the tour of the Castell Menor is the Hannibal Gate, through which the general entered, according to legend, and where years later so would his enemy Publius Cornelius Scipio. Although the current one no longer belongs to that era but was built again in the Middle Ages.
In addition, in another Gothic tower is the second door of the Castell Menor, built in Islamic times in the tenth century and restored in the fifteenth century, which was designed in the shape of an elbow as a defensive strategy to hinder the ticket of invaders. Most notable, however, is the Balcony of Himilce, located in the so-called Queen’s Tower, on a rock elevation at the top of the Castell Menor. From this hollow you can contemplate one of the best views of the castle and also see the Castell Major.
The Castell Major was built later, in medieval times, and was the main fortress. It is distinguished because it is to the right of the Plaza de Armas and better preserved than the Castell Menor. In the Major, we can enter fully into the life of the castle guards. Its wall stands magnificently protecting the entire medieval city.
In this second part of the fortress, you can not overlook the Puerta del Socorro, which owes its name to the story about the help that Lluís Crespí de Valldaura lord of Sumacárcer and l’Alcúdia, before dying, in the rebellion of the Germanías.
As the castle was also used as a prison during the time of the Crown of Aragon, another of its most important points is the Cell of Count D’Urgell, named after Jaume d’Urgell, one of the most famous illustrious who passed through these dungeons that, according to legend, after spending so much time locked up, died as soon as he came out when he was blinded by the light of day. His remains are precisely in the Chapel of Queen Mary, Gothic style and built in the fifteenth century under the order of Queen Mary of Castile.
Its Christmas Nativity Sc ene, the largest in Spain
Every December, the Albereda de Xàtiva changes its appearance to host the largest Nativity Scene in Spain, which occupies 1,600 square meters and is characterized by taking care of every detail since 1999. Numerous scenes are recreated with life-size figures made by fallero artists and are completed with elements such as fruits, vegetables or live animals.
For the construction of this first-class Christmas tourist attraction, utensils donated by the residents of Xàtiva or by the city council itself are used. And if this nativity scene is already beautiful and curious in itself, it acquires even greater dimension to see it at night, since it has an illumination designed exclusively to appreciate all its small details.
More featured locations
Although its castle is the jewel in the crown, you should not miss The Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria (known as La Seu), which was built on a former mosque, took more than four centuries to complete and is still incomplete (the Valencian Sagrada Familia, come on). It is a direct relative of the Escorial due to its Herrerian composition.
You also have to visit its royal hospital, created by Jaume I in 1244 and rebuilt centuries later. Its architecture combines Gothic and early Renaissance.
The Plaça de la Trinitat is one of the most important places in Xàtiva and what was the epicenter of the city in medieval times: it is surrounded by important buildings of great historical value, such as the Palau d’Alarcó, a convent and it leads to Motcada street, rua where the nobility of the city built their houses.
Its illustrious characters: The Borgia family
It was one of the most influential families of the Renaissance, giving the world two popes and a saint. This family is currently known for the black legend that surrounds them, which is not entirely true and should be told in its historical context. You can tour the city through all the places related to this family, such as Montcada street or the palace where Alexander VI was born.
Parties not to be missed
The Fira de Xátiva has been celebrated since 1250 in Honor to Jaume I, and is currently held from August 15 to 20. Although the Corpus Christi procession is also very famous, because it is one of the oldest in the Valencian Community. It has been celebrated since the 14th century and brings together both religious and pagan traditions. The students prepare for weeks the most traditional dances such as the Gigantes y Cabezudos, or the Moma, which is the representation of virtue fighting against sin. By the way, Xàtiva has its own Fallas.
The fire and the revenge of Xàtiva
Xàtiva had a sad protagonism in the War of Succession, which is the one that was fought in Spain after the death of Charles II between Philip V, of the Bourbon family , and the Archduke Charles, descendant of the Austria/Habsburg. The Valencian people supported the Habsburg family so Felipe V in 1707, burned the city destroying it almost completely. So, as revenge the people of Xàtiva have the portrait of Felipe V placed upside down inside the Museum of Fine Arts of the city.
