Alqueria del Duc
Fortified manor of the Dukes of Gandia beside the marshland, built around a 14th-century tower amid the farmland. It had a defensive role against Barbary-pirate raids, with ashlar turrets at its corners and gun loopholes, and still keeps a sundial dated 1780. Remodelled by the Borja family as a lordly residence, it hosted Empress Margaret of Austria in 1666. Today it houses a cultural space beside the natural setting of the marsh.
The Alqueria del Duc grew up around a 14th-century medieval tower, set amid the farmland of Gandia beside the marshland. This was no ordinary farmhouse: it was the fortified manor of the city's dukes.
Defence against the sea
Its building answered a very concrete threat, the raids of the Barbary pirates that plagued this coast. Hence the ashlar turrets at its corners and the loopholes from which to fend off an attack. On one of its walls you can still read a sundial dated 1780.
From the Borja to today
The Borja family remodelled it as a lordly residence, and in 1666 the dukes laid on a supper here for Empress Margaret of Austria as she passed through Gandia on her way to Vienna. Today the complex runs as a tourism centre, in a setting that merges with that of the Gandia marshland.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Alqueria del Duc for free?
No, the visit has a fee; it is best to check opening times and prices before going.
Where is the Alqueria del Duc?
Right in Gandia's farmland, next to the marsh.
What makes the Alqueria del Duc special?
It is the fortified house of the dukes of Gandia, built around a 14th-century medieval tower with ashlar turrets and loopholes against Barbary pirates; it keeps a sundial dated 1780 and in 1666 it hosted Empress Margaret of Austria.
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