Xátiva
VT&T offers unique rural accommodation in the heart of the Valencia region in eastern Spain for nature and history enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, and rock climbers.
The ideal place to unwind, recharge, explore the surrounding natural and historical sights, and experience the Mediterranean way of life first hand.
Xátiva - An Excursion Into The Past
Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Pinet, the town of Xàtiva transports visitors back through Valencia’s storied history and offers a rich and varied cultural experience.
Xátiva Castle
Situated on the banks of the River Albaida and the northern slopes of the Monte Vernissa, the town is presided over by Xativa Castle, an imposing walled fort composed of two different castles – the Castell Menor, built on Iberian and Roman remains, and the Castell Major – connected along the mountain’s ridge by a section of 11th century wall. One the most emblematic monuments to be found the 1000 kilometre “Way of El Cid” historical trail, the castle offers visitors spectacular views of the mountains towards the south and the plain to the north.
Featured in Hannibal’s campaigns and the Al-Ándalus period, the castle has played a leading role in the Kingdom of Valencia‘s history, and was also used as a prison for illustrious captives.
Of Islamic and Gothic origins, the walls served as protection for the mediaeval town below, which throughout its history has borne witness to the presence of Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs and Christians, as well as the birth of two popes, Callixtus III and Alexander VI, members of the powerful Renaissance House of Borgia, and the painter José Ribera (Lo Spagnoletto).
The Old Town
Sitting in the shadow of its magnificent castle, the old town of Xàtiva is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and small squares, its innumerabe religious and civil monuments – towers, churches, palaces, fountains, squares, noble houses – standing in testimony to the prominent role that Xàtiva has played throughout its history.
An Episcopal seat under the Visigoths, it reached its maximum cultural splendour under the Moors, who conquered the city in 711. It later served as a refuge for Moorish troops defeated by El Cid near Valencia, explaining its inclusion in the Camino del Cid historical route.
Conquered by Christian forces in the 13th century, Xàtiva became the second most important city in the Kingdom of Valencia and a major fortress on the road between Castile and the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. After serving an Austrian stronghold during the Spanish War of Succession, it was beseiged and burned on the orders of Philip V of Spain following his victory at the Battle of Almansa.
With such a rich history, the old town officially declared a Site of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1982.
Explore Our Exclusive Features
The streets of the old and new towns at the foot of Monte Vernissa offer a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and services that busy with local residents and offer everything necessary to complete a visit to Xàtiva.
Communications
Xàtiva train station serves the local, regional and national train Networks and the town is located 3 kilometres from A7 Alicante-Valencia highway.
- Well-Marked Cycling and Hiking Trails
- Cozy and Rustic Accommodations
- Guided Rock Climbing Excursions
