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If you’re interested in Spanish history and the fascinating stories of noble families, the Ducal Palace in Gandia is the actual residence where the descendants of the powerful Borja family lived for over two centuries, including the birthplace of Saint Francis Borgia.
I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable palace, from practical ticket information to what you absolutely can’t miss inside. The palace tells the incredible story of one of Spain’s most influential families, and visiting feels like stepping back into the golden age of Spanish nobility.
Buy tickets here for 7 euros per person on Get Your Guide:
Where to find the Ducal Palace of Borja
The Ducal Palace sits right in the heart of Gandia’s old town, making it incredibly easy to reach on foot from most hotels and restaurants in the city centre.
Address: Carrer del Duc Alfons el Vell, 1, 46701 Gandia, Valencia
You’ll find it just a few minutes’ walk from Gandia’s main square, Plaza Mayor. The palace entrance is clearly marked with signs, and the building itself is quite impressive from the outside – you won’t miss it!
If you’re driving, there are several public car parks nearby in the old town area. The closest is just around the corner from the palace entrance.
The palace is open for guided tours throughout the year, though opening times vary by season.
Ducal Palace of Gandia tickets and opening times
You can buy tickets online or at the entrance. I recommend buying online as it saves time at the queue – which you can purchase easily on Get Your Guide for 7 euros per person:
The Borja family legacy
Before you step inside, it’s worth understanding just how significant the Borja family was in Spanish and European history. Originally from Xàtiva in the Kingdom of Valencia, they rose to become one of the most powerful noble families in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly in Italy.
The family produced two Popes – Callixtus III and the infamous Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) – as well as Saint Francis Borgia, who gave up his dukedom to become a Jesuit priest. The palace was the main residence of the Dukes of Gandia, and walking through these rooms, you’re following in the footsteps of Saint Francis Borgia and generations of Spanish nobility.
The palace served as the seat of the Duchy of Gandia and remains one of the most historically significant buildings in the Valencia region due to its connection to this remarkable family.
What to see in the Ducal Palace
The Golden Gallery (Galería Dorada)
This is absolutely the highlight of any palace visit – a stunning baroque gallery that will take your breath away. The ceiling is covered in intricate golden decorations and paintings that showcase the grandeur of the Borja family.
The gallery features elaborate baroque decoration with ornate ceiling work that demonstrates the wealth and power of the family. Your guide will point out the most significant details, including symbols and references to the family’s papal connections.
The Main Courtyard (Patio de Armas)
The palace is built around a beautiful central courtyard that showcases different architectural styles from various periods. You’ll see Gothic arches alongside Renaissance elements, showing how the palace evolved as different generations of the Borja family added their own touches.
The courtyard features medieval stonework and decorative tiles, though much of what you see today has been carefully restored over the centuries. It’s a perfect spot for photos, and the acoustics are amazing – sometimes you’ll catch musicians performing here during special events.
The Duke’s private chambers
The private apartments give you a real sense of how Spanish nobility lived during the height of their power. The rooms feature period furniture, tapestries, and artwork that recreate the atmosphere of the family’s era. What I find most fascinating are the everyday objects – writing desks, prayer books, and personal items that make these historical figures feel more human. The bedroom where Saint Francis Borgia was born is particularly moving, especially when you learn about his dramatic conversion from duke to saint.
The Palace Chapel
The family chapel is where many significant events in Borja family history took place, including baptisms, weddings, and religious ceremonies. The chapel features religious art and you can still see the family coat of arms prominently displayed. Saint Francis Borgia would have prayed here regularly before his conversion, and the chapel maintains an atmosphere of quiet reverence that’s quite powerful.
Ceramic decorations
The palace showcases beautiful Valencian ceramic work, with decorative tiles and ceramic elements throughout various rooms. Valencia has always been renowned for its ceramics, and the Borja family were great patrons of local craftsmen. You’ll see ornate ceramic tiles and decorative elements that demonstrate the region’s famous ceramic tradition and the family’s appreciation for local craftsmanship.
Getting the most from your visit
The guided tours are absolutely essential – you’ll miss so much of the historical significance without the expert commentary. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the palace’s history, and they love sharing stories about the more colourful members of the Borja family! Tours typically last about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on group size and questions. Don’t be shy about asking questions – the guides have some fantastic stories that aren’t always included in the standard tour.
If you’re visiting in summer, try to book the morning tours as the palace can get quite warm in the afternoon. The stone walls keep it cooler than outside, but it’s still more comfortable earlier in the day.
