Castell de Xàtiva

One of the Best Places To Visits in Xàtiva Castell de Xàtiva is a must-visit destination. Despite the uphill walk, the combination of history, stunning views, and well-preserved architecture makes it a worthwhile experience. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the castle fully. Weekdays and off-season are recommended to avoid crowds. Take a map at the ticket desk. Bring water, especially during hot weather. Be prepared for an uphill walk, and wear comfortable shoes. Consider taking a taxi to the drop-off point, especially if mobility is a concern. The temperature inside the castle is much higher than outside due to the walls. Fantastic views across the valley from the top and we took some great photos of the castle itself. The history mixed with the sights and views are worth it. Spectacular vistas, many viewing points. It has never felt crowded… One of the most stunning castles. The best place to hang out with family and return to medieval times and history. Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. The roads were closed on Sunday so I didn't really have much choice but it was a lovely walk, gently climbing through the pine forests until I reached the entrance. Entry was €6 and I probably spent 90 minutes onsite, there was a cafe and restaurant with a terrace that had wonderful panoramic but I didnt that. With the ticket you got an excellent map that showed you all the main places to see while there, which was useful as it is a large site and the cisterns were outside the main walls. The is similar to San Marino, with two sets of fortifications, joined by and towers. Originally a Celtiberean fort, it was captured by the Carthaginians (Hannibal's son was born there) and then the Romans, Arabs and reconquered by the Christians in the thirteenth century. It saw action again in the War of the Spanish Succession but was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1748 and abandoned. The original was on the lower hill and the later on the higher one. I followed the steps up past the fountains and cannon to the Gardens of Ibn Hazm, a water garden similar to many other alcazars, although this was empty of water. The were just awesome and I followed the path out of the Malanyat Gate to the Roman cisterns, which had been recently restored. Walking back in to the castle, the route took me past a prison, the governor's rooms and various towers and battlements. There were lots of wildflowers in bloom which added to the spectacle. I then continued down the hill and up again to the lower castle. This was again (as you'd expect) a mixture of towers and battlements with some impressive back to the upper and also to the escarpment below. It was a pleasant down the hill back to the hotel Mont Sant and refreshments. Must place. One of the most stunning castles. The parking on the top is about 20-30 spots and half empty at Friday 1pm. Plan at least 1 hour. Travelled from Valencia by train to Xativa, once your at station you can 40 mins to or take taxi for 10 euros. The it self very beautiful and it is a must visit. Stunning and so much Probably one of my favorite castles visited on my to Valencia. Only a short drive away, but well the trek! Be sure to set aside some time as it takes a good few hours to explore end to end of the whole castle, and it’s checking it out in its entirety. Would recommend a stop here to everybody! The mixed with the sights and are it. Definitely the visit. Lots to see and explore. There is two parking options, one is at the bottom and I recommend that one if you are up to a hike with lots to see as you work your way up to the castle. The other parking is at the top only a few feet from the entrance. Caught the train from Valencia, about an hour and then we took the direct route as per Apple Maps rather than the Longer easier route on google maps. Not too bad a climb although some of the steps are quite high. There are drinks machines just inside the gate and you can refill with water at nearby drinking fountain. The itself is very cool, would have been a bit easier to navigate the displays inside the if there had been more English but we managed. Fantastic across the valley from the top and we took some great photos of the itself. Took the slow windy way down and had lunch in before getting the train back to Valencia. Very pleasant day out. Good authentic on top of the hill with great on the town. You will spend about 30 minutes walking around and taking fotos, and then enjoy some meals in the cafe on the territory. Nestled atop a strategic hill overlooking the charming city of Xàtiva, the Castell de Xàtiva stands as a majestic testament to centuries of history, a fact repeatedly lauded by visitors in their reviews. The sheer historical significance of this site, having witnessed the passage of Roman, Islamic, and Christian civilizations, deeply resonates with those who explore its ancient walls. Many reviewers enthusiastically point out the breathtaking panoramic vistas that unfold from the ramparts, offering sweeping of the sprawling urban landscape below and the picturesque surrounding countryside. This visual reward is frequently cited as more than compensating for the journey to the summit, whether undertaken by car, the convenient tourist train, or even a more challenging but rewarding through the historic pathways. The general consensus is that the modest entrance fee represents excellent value for the rich historical and visual experience on offer. Visitors consistently praise the well-maintained state of the and the informative signage provided in multiple languages, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the site's multifaceted past. The distinct character of the castle's two main sections, the older Castell Menor and the later Castell Major, provides a diverse exploration experience, each offering unique perspectives and architectural nuances. Several reviewers specifically mention the enchanting sight of the illuminated against the night sky, adding another layer of allure to this historical gem. The ascent from the itself is often described as an interesting prelude to the main attraction, with opportunities to observe the remnants of old churches and other historical structures along the way. The castle's intriguing as a former prison, coupled with its connections to prominent historical figures such as the infamous Borgia family, further enriches the visitor experience. Adding to the convenience and enjoyment, the presence of a cafeteria at the allows visitors to relax and savor refreshments while soaking in the stunning scenery. While some reviews mention the limited parking at the summit and the uphill as potential considerations, the overwhelming sentiment remains that the Castell de Xàtiva is an unmissable destination, offering a captivating blend of history, breathtaking views, and a tangible connection to the past. The of Xàtiva is a beautiful castle, situated on a steep ridge above the town. Take the car or a bus, it is quite a steep climb! The has a few small exhibits, set up beautifully and with care. The smaller part of the to the left has some beautiful and the are mostly intact. The larger part is a bit of a walk, but has a moorish fountain, some moorish Brick work and the remnants of a large castle. It also has a commanding view of the surroundings. Definitely a visit! The best place to hang out with family and return to medieval times and history. Expect a minimum of 2 hours. Don't forget to take a map at the ticket desk and water. The temperature inside the is much higher than outside because of the walls. The outstanding view of the - looks like a mosaic. Beautiful up to the from the campsite, shirting the old and then up along the walls. Fantastic across the church and to the distant mountains and sea. Nice coffee stop at the top and then a wander adding the impressive ruins, including a very dark prison cell. Lots of to soak up. Always memorable with new discoveries. This was my 5th visit. This place never loses it’s Wow factor for me. I always take family and friends to explore the and local environs. None of my visitors have been disappointed and my two young nieces 8 and 5 were absolutely enthralled. It is all uphill but the energy to get to the top. Best to get a taxi in Xativa to the drop off point, explore then down. Not for the feint hearted… Spectacular vistas, many viewing points. It has never felt crowded… In Summary Xàtiva is a visually dominant testament to Mediterranean history—a blend of ancient origins, medieval sieges, royal politics, and military ambition—wrapped in scenic beauty. Visiting it offers an immersive journey through millennia of Iberian identity and power. Architecture & Features • Castell Menor: • Built atop Iberian/Roman foundations; includes Hannibal’s Gate, Moorish-era cisterns, Gothic arches, and ruins like Queen Himilce’s viewpoint . • Castell Major: • Dominant medieval fort with massive walls, multiple gates such as Porta Ferrissa and Porta dels Socors, a Gothic chapel (Santa María) from 1431, and historic prison cells for such figures as Jaume d’Urgell and Borgia nobles. Why It Matters • Strategic & cultural crossroads: From antiquity through the medieval and early modern eras, it witnessed struggles across multiple civilisations. • Links to major events: From Hannibal’s legendary campaigns to the Moorish-to-Christian transition and the tumult of the Spanish Succession. • Architectural tapestry: A layered site featuring Iberian, Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and 20th‑century neo‑Gothic elements . Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. See how the number of reviews and average review scores have changed over time.