Xativa Castle

Xativa castle runs along a ridge in two parts: the Castell Menor at the eastern end, of Iberian and Roman origin, and the Castell Major to the west, largely Muslim and later Christian work, with around thirty towers and gates distributed along the connecting walls. It served as a state prison, holding among others the Count of Urgell, a claimant to the Aragonese throne, who died in a cell here. The town below was the birthplace of Alfons de Borja and Roderic de Borja, who became popes Calixtus III and Alexander VI. Xativa also made paper, with one of the earliest mills in Europe operating here under Muslim rule. Philip V burned the town in 1707 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

What you actually see

• The two castles - Menor and Major linked along the ridge.
• The thirty towers - gates and bastions distributed along the walls.
• The prison cells - chambers where noble prisoners were held.
• The town view - Xativa and the plain from the ramparts.

When to go

March to June and September to November; the ridge is exposed and the Valencian interior is very hot in summer. A shuttle runs from the town for those avoiding the climb, and the castle closes on Mondays.

Honest expectations

The climb from town is steep and long, around forty minutes, with limited shade. The site is large and covering both castles takes time. Parts are ruinous with restricted access.

Nearby

Xativa's old town and museum are below; Valencia lies sixty kilometres north.