Xàtiva is a city with a heritage that amazes its visitors. Located less than an hour from València, it’s the perfect place to take a day trip and explore this part of Spain beyond Valencia city or Alicante. Discover here what to see in Xàtiva and which typical meal you should try.

Places you can’t miss in Xàtiva

If you have limited time to visit this city, here are the places you can’t miss in Xàtiva:

Xàtiva Castle

If I could only visit one place in this city, that would be for sure the Castle of Xàtiva. This is an amazing fortress divided in two parts: Castell Major and Castell Menor, and with a history of thousands of years, as here were even Iberian and Roman remains.

Thanks to its location at the top of the mountain, it has been used by different civilizations. Nowadays, from it, you can enjoy amazing views of Xàtiva and its surroundings. I’ll tell you one of my favourite facts about this castle: here Hannibal made a pause for preparing the attack to Romans in Saguntum. Also, it is said that his wife, Himilce, gave birth here to their son.

Tickets: €8 adults, €4 children between 8 and 16.

Colegiata Basílica de Santa María

Down in the ancient town, from among the various churches that are in Xàtiva, the most important one is Santa María Collegiate Church, also known as La Seo or La Seu. This was built between 16th and 17th centuries, and it’s even bigger than València Cathedral. The museum part along with the bell tower can be visited by €3.

On the outside, there are two parts that stand out: Puerta de los Escalones (north façade) and the main entry.

Old Royal Hospital

This is for me one of the most beautiful buildings in Xàtiva. This was built between 15th and 16th centuries. There are two different styles in its façade: gothic in the right part (entry to the chapel) and renaissance (main entry).

Museum of Fine Arts

In this museum are works from important artists such as Goya, Ribera, and Benlliure. However, there is an artwork that is the star of the museum: the Portrait of Philip the Fifth, from Josep Amorós. This is hanging upside down as a punishment because this king ordered to set fire and destroy Xàtiva.

The ticket price for the museum is €4. It is opened from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, and from 16:00 to 18:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Trinitat Square

Here we can find Trinitat Fountain, one of the few remaining gothic fountains in Spain. It’s from 15th century, the oldest one from the city. In this city there are also two important buildings: Trinitat Convent and Alarcón Palace.

Casa Artigues

In Noguera street 10 there is a beautiful nook you should visit: Casa Artigues. It is a nice building from the 18th century with an altarpiece from the same century. It is very close to Trinitat Square.

Market Square

The last place you shouldn’t miss in the old city of Xàtiva is Market Square, that is quite close to La Seu. It is an arcade square with colourful buildings and some bars and restaurants. The market is held here on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Bellveret Viewpoint

And the last point that for me is a must to see in Xàtiva is Bellveret Viewpoint. From here there are beautiful views from both the city and the castle and its wall.

Other places to visit in Xàtiva

If you have more time and want to know more places in the city, here are some other spots you can visit:

• Almodí Museum: Archaeological museum located in the last medieval edification built in the city. Opened from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:30. The entry ticket costs €4.

• Birthplace of Alejandro the Sixth: In Alejandro Square you can find the birthplace of Alejandro the Sixth, one of the two popes from Borgia family.
• San Francisco Church: Built in the 14th century, here it was the Borgia family pantheon.
• Las Santas Street: This street goes up towards the castle and Bellveret Viewpoint. I think it’s a charming and very different street. Also, here it is the so-called casa dels gats (house of the cats).

• Royal Fountain of the 25 Spouts: La Fuente Real de los Veinticinco Caños is a neoclassical trough from 18th and 19th centuries. As its name suggest, it is formed by 25 spouts. Next to it is the old washing place and the Bes Garden, where part of the medieval city wall is preserved.

What to eat in Xàtiva: its typical arroç al forn

Apart from what to see in Xàtiva, I want to advise you about what to eat. I’m sure you know that the typical dish from València is paella. But there is another dish made with rice that is very popular in some places, such as Xàtiva, where one of the best ones is made.

It is called arroç al forn (rice in the oven) and, apart from rice, it has different parts of the pig, chickpeas, potatoes, tomatoes, and saffron.

How to get from València to Xàtiva

If you are visiting València and you have your own car, you can drive to Xàtiva in less than an hour. You can also go by train, the ride is between 35 minutes and an hour. If you prefer it, you can book this excursion to Xàtiva and Anna with a guide that speaks English and Spanish.

I hope you find this information about what to see in Xàtiva useful, and I wish you enjoy your visit to this historical city.

Pictures are from my travel blog in Spanish, Meraviglia, so I own the rights to them.