The Route of the Borgia is a cultural exploration following in the footsteps of one of the most universal Valencian families and one of the most powerful families of the Renaissance. The Borgia family gave Valencia two Popes: Calixtus III and his nephew Alexander VI, who held numerous positions of civil and ecclesiastical power.
The visit starts in the village of Xativa, birthplace of Pope Alexander VI and where his uncle, Pope Calixto III, was baptized. The symbol of Xàtiva is its castle, where we will arrive by via a tourist train. Other important buildings are the Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria, the Royal Hospital or the Church of San Feliu.
After lunch in a traditional restaurant, we will continue our trip to Gandia.
Gandia is very famous for its beaches and nightlife. However, Gandia is also part of the Route of the Borgia because it was the birthplace of Saint Francis of Borgia, who was Third General of the Society of Jesus.
The Ducal Palace is the symbol of Gandia, official residence of the Borgia family and birthplace of Saint Francis of Borgia. After that, we will walk around of the city centre where there are other buildings such as the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Town Hall or the old University, founded in the XVI century by Saint Francis of Borja and considered the first University of Jesuites. It was closed in 1772, some years later because of the expulsion of the Jesuites. The building is presided by 5 sculptures which represent the most famous members of the Borgia family: The two Popes Borja, Calixto III and Alejandro VI, two of his children, César and Lucrecia Borja and the sculpture of Saint Francis of Borgia.
