Xàtiva

This large hilltop fortification was first established by the Iberians, with the oldest section being the eastern side of the castle (Castell Menor, or 'Lower Castle'). After the Roman conquest, the original eastern section was expanded and a second fortress (Castell Major, or 'Upper Castle') was built to the west. Both castles were reinforced by the Moors, who also built the walls connecting the fort with the town below. After the Christian Reconquista further renovations were carried out, and the Upper Castle was used for a time as a jail for political prisoners. In the 18th century the castle suffered serious damage first during the Spanish War of Succession, and later from an earthquake in 1748, after which it fell into disuse. In the early 20th century a wealthy local businessman built, as a residence, a new section between the two castles, in the neo-Gothic style. This set of buildings now house a restaurant, exhibition hall, and visitor center.
Each castle affords great views of the city below, and of the mirroring castle. The walk up the (small) mountain is most scenic via the footpaths which pass by the Ermita de Sant Feliu and La Nevera (listed below). For those who don't want to walk there is also a tourist train which departs twice a day from the tourist office (summer: 12:30 and 17:30, winter: 12:30 and 16:30; €4.20), which winds its way through the town and uphill to the castle. Alternatively, a one-way taxi ride from the tourist office will cost about €11.

This large Moorish watchtower was built in the early 13th century along the eastern-most wall joining the castle with the town below. The tower was completely restored in 2001. It is generally not open to the public, but visitors may be granted special access on request – inquire at the tourist office.

Located in the original area of the old Roman city of Saetabis, this Romanesque church is one of the oldest in the Valencia region. It was built in 1265 on a site that had been occupied by a Roman temple, a Visigothic church, and a mosque. The portico is supported by six Roman columns, and inside are several well-preserved medieval frescoes dating from between the 14th and 16th centuries, along with a few Roman tablets.

A short distance up the hill from the Ermita de Sant Feliu, this small cave is said in popular folklore to have once contained lions. Sant Feliu (San Félix) of the nearby hermitage was thrown in the cave but remained unmolested by the lions, which was considered to be a miracle.

This curious domed, circular structure built over a 10-metre pit was used in the 18th century as an ice house, a place to store compacted snow which had been transported overnight from the nearby Sierra de Mariola. Although not documented until its use as an ice house, the building is believed to be possibly Arabic in origin. The interior is generally not open to the public, but can be appreciated through the windows.

The excavated remains of a Moorish palace can be easily appreciated from behind a chain-link fence.

Housed in two adjoining buildings, one of them a medieval granary, this museum is dedicated to the history of the city and the wider area. Items on display include Iberian, Roman, and Moorish artifacts, as well as a few Gothic altarpieces and portraits by Josep de Ribera, a native son who spent most of his artistic career in Italy. Of special note is a portrait of Felipe V which has been hung upside down in retribution for the devastation he wrought on the city during the Spanish War of Succession in the early 18th century.

Founded in 1250, this building has been renovated many times over the centuries. Its most noteworthy feature is its beautiful facade, which combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. Today it is still used as a medical facility.