Nestled in the heart of Gandia, Spain, the Ducal Palace of Gandia (Palacio Ducal de Gandía) stands as a testament to centuries of history, architectural evolution, and cultural significance. This magnificent structure, known locally as the Palacio Ducal de Gandía, is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of the region.
The history of the Ducal Palace of Gandia spans over seven centuries, making it one of the most historically significant buildings in the area. Originally constructed by the royal dukes of the Crown of Aragon, the palace's foundation was laid by Alfonso the Elder. It served as the principal residence for the dukes, who surrounded themselves with poets and intellectuals, including the renowned Ausiàs March and Pere March.
In 1485, the palace was purchased by Roderic de Borja, who would later become Pope Alexander VI. This acquisition marked the beginning of the Borja dynasty's influence over the palace, with Saint Francis Borgia, the fourth duke, being one of its most notable residents. The palace remained in the hands of the Borja family until 1740, after which it passed to the House of Osuna. Nearly in ruins by the late 19th century, the palace was bought by the Society of Jesus in 1889, who undertook its restoration and maintenance, focusing on the legacy of Saint Francis Borgia, the third general of the Jesuit order.
The Ducal Palace of Gandia is a stunning example of architectural evolution, showcasing styles from the Gothic period of the 14th and 15th centuries, Renaissance contributions from the 16th century, Baroque expansions and transformations from the 17th and 18th centuries, and finally, Neo-Gothic reconstructions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The palace's exterior is characterized by its masonry and brickwork façade, which features two levels above the ground floor. The main entrance is a semi-circular arch with large stone voussoirs, a hallmark of 14th and 15th-century civil Gothic architecture. Above the entrance, the Borja family crest proudly adorns the façade.
Upon entering the palace, visitors are greeted by a spacious vestibule, one of the oldest parts of the building. This leads to the trapezoidal Parade Ground, which serves as the central hub, connecting various parts of the palace. The Honor Staircase, the Holy Chapel, and the Hall of Crowns are located in the front wing, while the left wing houses the Neo-Gothic church. The right wing contains the rooms of the Carroç, Centelles, and the States of Sardinia, and the back wing includes the Duchess's Chamber and the Hall of Saint Michael, also known as the Hall of Eagles.
The Hall of Crowns is one of the most remarkable rooms in the palace. This grand hall, with its impressive wooden coffered ceiling adorned with crowns, was expanded from three smaller rooms by the fourth Duke of Gandia. The hall was used for audiences and the administration of justice, and today, it is decorated with 20th-century tapestries depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis Borgia.
The Duke's Room, once the office of Saint Francis Borgia, was converted into a Neo-Gothic chapel by the Jesuits in 1896. The ceiling mimics a star-shaped ribbed vault, and the walls are adorned with an unfinished series of saintly images.
The Holy Chapel, originally the oratory of Saint Francis Borgia, features original 14th-century flooring and grisaille murals by Filippo Paolo de San Leocadio, depicting the fifteen mysteries of the rosary. The chapel's current luxurious appearance is the result of a late 19th-century renovation, which included marble cladding and exotic wood marquetry flooring.
The Hall of Saint Michael, or the Hall of Eagles, was the palace's main hall. This circular room features a 15th-century wooden coffered ceiling, hidden behind a false vault. During the Baroque period, the hall was redecorated with a frieze and cornice supported by animal-shaped corbels, including the eagles that give the hall its name.
The Golden Gallery is one of the most significant additions to the palace, built to celebrate the canonization of Saint Francis Borgia by the tenth Duke of Borja. This gallery, completed in the early 18th century, comprises five continuous salons separated by wooden porticos. The salons are decorated with Baroque rocaille, grotesques, and gilding, and the ceilings feature painted canvases depicting scenes that give each salon its name. The final salon, the Hall of Glorification, boasts a grand circular ceramic floor representing the four elements.
Visiting the Ducal Palace of Gandia offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and architectural splendor of this remarkable building. From its Gothic origins to its Baroque transformations and Neo-Gothic restorations, the palace is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Borja family and the cultural heritage of Gandia.
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