Xàtiva Castle

What it is

The castle occupies the whole crest of the ridge above Xàtiva and is really two. The Castell Menor, the older one, of Iberian and Roman origin, has the Porta Ferrissa, Hannibal's gate, Himilce's balcony and a square tower that serves as a viewpoint. The parade ground joins it to the Castell Major, the medieval and better-preserved one: the Socorro gate, four cisterns, the Santa María gate, the cell where the Count of Urgell was imprisoned and the Gothic chapel of Queen María, where her remains lie. Between them are gardens dedicated to the Andalusi poet Ibn Hazm. There are audio guides for each area.

How to get up

On foot from the old town along the Carretera del Castell, passing the hermitage of Sant Feliu and the Bellveret viewpoint: it is a long, steep climb. On Sundays and public holidays from October to May there is a shuttle bus from Plaza de l'Espanyoleto for €1.15, and in summer a tourist train from Autobuses Chambitos runs.

Hours and tickets

Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00 from November to February, until 19:00 in March and October, until 20:00 in April and September and until 21:00 from May to August. Closed on Mondays. Admission costs €6 and includes the municipal museums, such as the Almodí; the reduced rate is €4 (ages 8 to 16, students, pensioners, large families and groups), and it is free up to age 7, although children also need their ticket. Buying online is recommended; tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.