The Valencia of the Borgia

NEXT DATES:

• You can make reservations for a private tour for any other date.

Despite its Aragonese origins from the shire of Campo de Borja, in the province of Zaragoza, the Borja family became one of the wealthiest in the Kingdom of Valencia. Esteve de Borja was the pioneer, when he was
granted lands in the Valencian territories of Gandia and Xàtiva.

Among the members of this family, Alfonso de Borja stands out, first supporting the cause of Benedict XIII, better known as Pope Luna, and then reaching Rome and becoming Callixtus III. After his death, and four
papacies later, another member of the Borja family became Pope. It was Rodrigo de Borja, nephew of Alfonso de Borja, and under the papal name of Alexander VI. The lineage of the Borja follows with Lucrecia de Borja, the third daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Married up to three times, she became Duchess of Ferrara. The dynasty continues with Francis of Borja, great grand-son of Alexander VI. He served since a young age in the court of Charles I of Spain (and HR Emperor), until he left everything to pursue a spiritual life, first retiring in its own Duchy of Gandía, and later on entering the Society of Jesus (being canonized in Rome in 1671).

With this tour, we try to bring back to life the pass of the Borja family through Valencia. In this guided visit, we’ll walk through the historical and artistic landmarks that marked the life of this dynasty in the city of Valencia, punctuated by many sad events, some unclarified deaths, academic patronage and a religious zeal that made this family being known for having “Two Popes and One Saint”.

We will stroll along the Plaza del Patriarca, presided by the imposing and majestic fountain next to the historical University of Valencia building, where we can find some of the most illustrious characters of its era, one of them being the Pope Alexander VI. We can also find the Patriarch’s College, which is nowadays a museum and a National Historic and Artistic Monument, not only for its history, but also for the many pictorial and architectonic treasures found in its interior.
Afterwards, we’ll visit the oldest building of the University of Valencia, La Nau. It has been linked to Academia since its origins, offering higher education along that offered by Salamanca, Rome or Bologna. Its
construction wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the pope Alexander VI. Nowadays it’s a symbol of culture and also an historical landmark, besides it’s academical function.

We’ll also visit the interior of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus, along the building specifically dedicated for worship, the Church of the Sacred Heart, both founded by Saint Francis of Borja in the 17 th Century, while he was General of the Society.
Buy now your tickets and discover along us the Valencia of the Borgia, untouched by the passing of the centuries!

Joaquín, the guide, shows us HERE the content of the tour.