The Land of the Borgias: An Exciting History

The Land of the Borgias is a great option if you enjoy soaking up culture during your getaways, giving you the opportunity to discover the influence of the Borja family in 15th and 16th century Europe. Borgia is the Italian spelling of Borja, but given that two family members ended up becoming Popes of the Catholic Church, the family is internationally known as the Borgias. 

Explore the Land of the Borgias and you will discover fantastic municipalities and monumental buildings of great beauty. Come with us for a sneak peek.

Land of the Borgias’ municipalities and monuments

The Borgias had a strong connection to Gandia, but also left plenty of history behind in Xàtiva, Canals, Llombai, Albaida, Alfauir, Simat de la Valldigna, Canals and Castellnovo as well as, of course, València. 

Let’s start our exploration of the Land of the Borgias (or Borja) in València, where you can visit the incredible San Nicolás and San Pedro Mártir Church. This place of worship has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features, and is a must-visit in the city’s historic centre. 

The church’s spectacular beauty is due, in large part, to the work of Alfonso de Borja, who would later become known as Pope Calixto III. In the chapel dedicated to San Francisco de Borja, you will find two Goya paintings, which you absolutely can’t miss. Next in the city, make your way to Les Corts Valencianes Palace, also known as Els Borja Palace, which belonged to the family until the mid-18th century and was even their residence. 

From València, the Land of the Borgias will take you to Gandia, where you can admire the Ducal Palace, and the beautiful convent dedicated to Santa Clara, which has now been converted into a museum. There is also the old university, which was founded by Francisco de Borja, the 4th Duke of this influential dynasty. 

Next stop on the Land of the Borgias route is Xàtiva, home to the house where Rodrigo de Borja was born, as well as other monuments connected to the family, namely: La Asunción Collegiate Church, where a number of family members were laid to rest, and the Church of San Francisco Convent where they built their very own funeral chapel.  

Head to Xàtiva’s Collegiate Museum to see bronze sculptures, altarpieces and other gold pieces connected to the Borjas. There are plenty of places that you won’t want to miss in this incredible town. 

Canals was also one of the first places where the Borjas settled, so make sure you include it on your exploration of the Land of the Borgias. The town is home to the Borja Tower and the oratory, which were part of a Gothic Palace where some of the family resided. 

The Land of the Borgias continues at the Marquesal Palace in Albaida, Santa Cruz Church in Llombai and Beatriz de Borja Castle in Castellnovo. 

And the grand finale of the Land of the Borgias route is taking a guided tour of Santa María de Simat Monastery in La Valldigna and San Jerónimo de Cotalba Monastery in Alfauir. Find out all the information you need and start preparing the stages of this unique journey back in time.