Palau Ducal dels Borja

In Gandia's old town, the Palau Ducal dels Borja (Borgia Ducal Palace) is a major example of Valencian Gothic architecture. Home to the Borgia family, it holds more than 500 years of history across courtyards, staircases and halls that reflect Valencia's standing in the 15th and 16th centuries. It helps explain the weight this land carried in Renaissance Europe.

History

The palace began as a noble residence in the medieval period and grew and was embellished under the patronage of one of the most influential families of its age. Its walls have weathered centuries of remodelling and changing uses, and today preserve an ensemble that blends Gothic solidity with later additions.

What to see

The route through its rooms reveals the layout of the old ducal court:

• The Hall of Crowns (Salón de Coronas), one of the more elaborate rooms in the complex.
• The Golden Gallery (Galería Dorada), known for its gilt decoration.
• Courtyards, staircases and coffered ceilings that give a sense of daily palace life.

Tips for your visit

• Pair it with the nearby Collegiate Church of Santa María for a full morning in the old quarter.
• Check opening hours and guided tours before you go; booking ahead is wise in high season.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the flooring is historic and the route covers several floors.