The castle and The fortress

The feature wall is strategically positioned to illurninate the altar for one hour on a particular day each year. The fortress at Castielfabib is located Qn a hilltop that dominates the town and that has been formed in a meander of the river Ebró. The church itself occupies the fourth floor of one of the castle‘s towers, overlooking a steep decline on the western slope of a rocky outcrop.

Access to the fortress is by way of a passage at the height of the third floor of the tower in which buried bodies have been unearthed, such as that of a woman and her baby discovered with their clothes almost intact. The passage leads from the town square to the opposite side of the outcrop, where the accessis isolated from the rest of the population. Gothic paintings and carved capitals depicting religious figures from the period have been found within the building, including the head of a warrior monk from the Order of the Temple, to which the church belonged.
 
The fortress dates back to the early 14th century, which saw the construction of the single-nave altar, the former weapons room, which was rectangular with flat chavet walls. The interior was divided into four spaces separated by three pointed arches, characteristic of the early Gothic style. In between the buttresses, side chapels were built, with groin vaults.
 
Following the earthquake of 1656, huge reforms were carried out, which saw the construction of the communion chapel with its cupola and the atrium at the entrance, which were designed with completely different ceilings. The flat header wall was removed in its entirety and a presbytery was built in its place.
 
At the foot of fhe church, on the Epistle side, twin chapels were erected — the Dominican chapels — with a simulated star-shaped groin vault adorned with sculpted cherubim heads. The old choir stall was removed and its oculus sealed. The first bell tower disappeared, and a new one was built adjoining it, but independent and separate from the church. Curiously, the chevet on the feature wall is strategically positioned so that it illuminates the altar for one hour on a particular day each year.
 
The latest reforms were made during Spain‘s Carlist Wars in the 19th century, apparently to rapair the damage it suffered during the conflict. It was transformed into a three-nave church and the supports for the lancet arches were removed to the new vaults of the lateral naves. The presbytery was extended once more, eliminating the passage between the two sides of the fortress, and it was covered with a cannon vault, upon which stands an octagonal lantern. It was at this time that the bell tower was faced in brick.

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The castle and The fortress

The feature wall is strategically positioned to illurninate the altar for one hour on a particular day each year. The fortress at Castielfabib is located Qn a hilltop that dominates the town and that has been formed in a meander of the river Ebró. The church itself occupies the fourth floor of one of the castle‘s towers, overlooking a steep decline on the western slope of a rocky outcrop.

Access to the fortress is by way of a passage at the height of the third floor of the tower in which buried bodies have been unearthed, such as that of a woman and her baby discovered with their clothes almost intact. The passage leads from the town square to the opposite side of the outcrop, where the access is isolated from the rest of the population. Gothic paintings and carved capitals depicting religious figures from the period have been found within the building, including the head of a warrior monk from the Order of the Temple, to which the church belonged.
 
The fortress dates back to the early 14th century, which saw the construction of the single-nave altar, the former weapons room, which was rectangular with flat chavet walls. The interior was divided into four spaces separated by three pointed arches, characteristic of the early Gothic style. In between the buttresses, side chapels were built, with groin vaults.
 
Following the earthquake of 1656, huge reforms were carried out, which saw the construction of the communion chapel with its cupola and the atrium at the entrance, which were designed with completely different ceilings. The flat header wall was removed in its entirety and a presbytery was built in its place.
 
At the foot of fhe church, on the Epistle side, twin chapels were erected — the Dominican chapels — with a simulated star-shaped groin vault adorned with sculpted cherubim heads. The old choir stall was removed and its oculus sealed. The first bell tower disappeared, and a new one was built adjoining it, but independent and separate from the church. Curiously, the chevet on the feature wall is strategically positioned so that it illuminates the altar for one hour on a particular day each year.
 
The latest reforms were made during Spain‘s Carlist Wars in the 19th century, apparently to rapair the damage it suffered during the conflict. It was transformed into a three-nave church and the supports for the lancet arches were removed to the new vaults of the lateral naves. The presbytery was extended once more, eliminating the passage between the two sides of the fortress, and it was covered with a cannon vault, upon which stands an octagonal lantern. It was at this time that the bell tower was faced in brick.

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Park aquatic Aquarama in Castellón

The aquatic attractions and theme areas of the Aquarama water park Benicássim are set to reopen for the season in June, offering visitors fun, relaxation and enfertainment. Covering ovar 45,O00 square metres, the park is devoted to ensuring a good time for both children and adults alike.
 
Its aquatic attractions include huge toboggans with hair-raising descents, such as the Kamizake, the Big Slide, the twister or the latest addition, the Whirlpool. The park also boasts an adventure activity zone, with a death slide and a jungle waterfall, an area featuring children’s attractions such as Elephant Island and Kiddieland and more relaxed and slow-paced spaces with a hydromassage pool in the area of The Lakes (Los Lagos). The park also features an attraction that is fha first of its kind in the whole of Spain: the Space Shot, in which visitors can experience what it feels like to be launched into space. Cafeteria restaurants, ice cream parlours, sun loungers, gift shops and a picnic area complete fha range of facilities on offer at Aquarama.
 
Every year, Aquarama features new attractions to give its thousands of visitors the best possible time, appealing to both children and adults. In 2O07 over 150,000 visitors passed through the gates at Aquarama, making it the most popular park in the northern sector of the Mediterranean coast, mostly attracting visitors from Castellón, Valencia, Barcelona, Tarragona, Teruel and Zaragoza.

Aquarama • Ctra. N-340 km. 986,8 • 12560 Benicássim (Castellón) • Tel. 964 303 321

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Park aquatic Aquarama in Castellón

The aquatic attractions and theme areas of the Aquarama water park Benicássim are set to reopen for the season in June, offering visitors fun, relaxation and enfertainment. Covering ovar 45,O00 square metres, the park is devoted to ensuring a good time for both children and adults alike.
 
Its aquatic attractions include huge toboggans with hair-raising descents, such as the Kamizake, the Big Slide, the twister or the latest addition, the Whirlpool. The park also boasts an adventure activity zone, with a death slide and a jungle waterfall, an area featuring children’s attractions such as Elephant Island and Kiddieland and more relaxed and slow-paced spaces with a hydromassage pool in the area of The Lakes (Los Lagos). The park also features an attraction that is fha first of its kind in the whole of Spain: the Space Shot, in which visitors can experience what it feels like to be launched into space. Cafeteria restaurants, ice cream parlours, sun loungers, gift shops and a picnic area complete fha range of facilities on offer at Aquarama.
 
Every year, Aquarama features new attractions to give its thousands of visitors the best possible time, appealing to both children and adults. In 2O07 over 150,000 visitors passed through the gates at Aquarama, making it the most popular park in the northern sector of the Mediterranean coast, mostly attracting visitors from Castellón, Valencia, Barcelona, Tarragona, Teruel and Zaragoza.

Aquarama • Ctra. N-340 km. 986,8 • 12560 Benicássim (Castellón) • Tel. 964 303 321

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Marine Reserve of The Columbretes

In an effort to raise levels of protection and increase the number of potential lines of action, the area of the marine park covering the lslas Columbres islands is expected to be extended to almost double its current surface area of some 1,200 hectares. The new conservation area will be given the official status of Marine Reserve, bestowing maximum environmental protection upon the islands in the face of major pressure from fishing and leisure activities. The final decision on the expansion project is expected to be taken next March, once the previously commissioned reports on the flora and fauna have been duly studied.

The Columbretes lsiands, a voicanic archipelago 55 km off the Castellón coast (Spain), with an approximate surface of 19 Ha, is made np of 10 small istands distributed in four groups. The largest isiands are known as lila Grossa (13.33 Ha, 67 m), lila Ferrera (1.53 Ha, 43 rn), ha Foradada (1.63 Ha, 55 m) and lila Carallot. Of these, only the first three islands are large enough to harbour vascular plant species.

Of all of Spain‘s marine reserves, the islas Columbretes reserve has the greatest capacity for scientific research into marine activities and the highest international standing. Marine cartography works currently being undertaken have produced spectacular results, making the islands one of the greatest marine resources in the Medíterranean.

The Islas Columbretes also benefit from state-of-the -art technology in their struggle for conservation, such as the only submarine robot in the whole of Spain, which is capable of providing underwater images from a depth of 600 metres and thereby shedding light on the wealth and biodiversity of the islands’ ecosystem. In addition, work has just begun on the lighthouse in order to improve its facilities and convert it into a residential study area for scientists.

The Columbretes islands —emerged portion- were declared Natural Park by the Autonomous Government of the Valencian Community in 1988. Subsequently, in 1991, the marine eiwironment of the Columbretes archipelago was declared Marine Reserve in order to preserve its outstanding richness. The Natural Reserve comprises an area of 4400 Ha surrounding the islands.

The archipelago is home lo one of the largest nesting colony of the rare mediterranean Marine Reserve.

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Marine Reserve of The Columbretes

In an effort to raise levels of protection and increase the number of potential lines of action, the area of the marine park covering the lslas Columbres islands is expected to be extended to almost double its current surface area of some 1,200 hectares. The new conservation area will be given the official status of Marine Reserve, bestowing maximum environmental protection upon the islands in the face of major pressure from fishing and leisure activities. The final decision on the expansion project is expected to be taken next March, once the previously commissioned reports on the flora and fauna have been duly studied.

The Columbretes lsiands, a voicanic archipelago 55 km off the Castellón coast (Spain), with an approximate surface of 19 Ha, is made np of 10 small istands distributed in four groups. The largest isiands are known as lila Grossa (13.33 Ha, 67 m), lila Ferrera (1.53 Ha, 43 rn), ha Foradada (1.63 Ha, 55 m) and lila Carallot. Of these, only the first three islands are large enough to harbour vascular plant species.

Of all of Spain‘s marine reserves, the islas Columbretes reserve has the greatest capacity for scientific research into marine activities and the highest international standing. Marine cartography works currently being undertaken have produced spectacular results, making the islands one of the greatest marine resources in the Medíterranean.

The Islas Columbretes also benefit from state-of-the -art technology in their struggle for conservation, such as the only submarine robot in the whole of Spain, which is capable of providing underwater images from a depth of 600 metres and thereby shedding light on the wealth and biodiversity of the islands’ ecosystem. In addition, work has just begun on the lighthouse in order to improve its facilities and convert it into a residential study area for scientists.

The Columbretes islands —emerged portion- were declared Natural Park by the Autonomous Government of the Valencian Community in 1988. Subsequently, in 1991, the marine eiwironment of the Columbretes archipelago was declared Marine Reserve in order to preserve its outstanding richness. The Natural Reserve comprises an area of 4400 Ha surrounding the islands.

The archipelago is home lo one of the largest nesting colony of the rare mediterranean Marine Reserve.

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Tailor-made experlences - Terra Mitica

Do you know what the latest trend is for fun? Terra Mítica. Do you want to feel an adrenaline rush? Do you want to be entertained? Do you want to see shows? Do you want to feel strong emotions? Terra Mitica. Come and enjoy the park that will entertain you like no other.

The Terra Mítica theme park in Benidorm has kicked of its ninth season with new leisure and entertainment features aimed at all members of the family. Mechanical attractions, water features, shows, restaurants and countless entertainment activities have been set up for the enjoyment of visitors, promising an unforgettable day out.As it does every year, the theme parkhas made major changes to its line-up of shows, which are one of the most popular attractions amongst visitors.

This season, Terra Mítica has also revolutionised its street entertainment by introducing movement into the shows, bringing the show to the visitor rather than the visitor to the show. Each vehicle or float is markedly different and transports a wide range of characters ranging from archaeologists through to gigan tic centurions, who will seek to actively involve the public as part of the entertainment. These innovative new shows are called Anfitriones del Mediterráneo (Hosts of the Mediterranean), Los Arqueólogos (The Archaeologists) and Rock & Roma (Rock & Roma), and are performed every day.

These are not the only novelties on the entertainment front, however. For the little ones, Terra Mítica’s traditional puppet theatre has incorporated the theme park’s three mascots — Baba, Mitic and Cuca — into its latest offering. These three well loved characters will continue to greet children at the entrance to the park and will surprise them throughout the day with their dances and songs. The park is also still running its two major indoor shows, Tarantela and Barbarroja.

Terra Mítica • Ctra. Beriidorm a Finestrat • Partida Moralet • 03502 Benidorm
Tel. 902 020 220 • www,terrramiticapark,com

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Tailor-made experlences - Terra Mitica

Do you know what the latest trend is for fun? Terra Mítica. Do you want to feel an adrenaline rush? Do you want to be entertained? Do you want to see shows? Do you want to feel strong emotions? Terra Mitica. Come and enjoy the park that will entertain you like no other.

The Terra Mítica theme park in Benidorm has kicked of its ninth season with new leisure and entertainment features aimed at all members of the family. Mechanical attractions, water features, shows, restaurants and countless entertainment activities have been set up for the enjoyment of visitors, promising an unforgettable day out.As it does every year, the theme park has made major changes to its line-up of shows, which are one of the most popular attractions amongst visitors.

This season, Terra Mítica has also revolutionised its street entertainment by introducing movement into the shows, bringing the show to the visitor rather than the visitor to the show. Each vehicle or float is markedly different and transports a wide range of characters ranging from archaeologists through to gigan tic centurions, who will seek to actively involve the public as part of the entertainment. These innovative new shows are called Anfitriones del Mediterráneo (Hosts of the Mediterranean), Los Arqueólogos (The Archaeologists) and Rock & Roma (Rock & Roma), and are performed every day.

These are not the only novelties on the entertainment front, however. For the little ones, Terra Mítica’s traditional puppet theatre has incorporated the theme park’s three mascots — Baba, Mitic and Cuca — into its latest offering. These three well loved characters will continue to greet children at the entrance to the park and will surprise them throughout the day with their dances and songs. The park is also still running its two major indoor shows, Tarantela and Barbarroja.

Terra Mítica • Ctra. Beriidorm a Finestrat • Partida Moralet • 03502 Benidorm
Tel. 902 020 220 • www,terrramiticapark,com

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Gandia - Beaches and Culture

Long stretches of sand burnished gold by the sun and shaped by the cool hand of the sea, rugged mountains harbouring priceless archaeologicat treasures, cultivated valleys, mythical mountain peaks and woodlands of cork oak, mastic and Aleppo pine: the scenery around Gandia is an incredible mosaic of landscapes. The spectacular architecture of the city’s old quarter stands in stunning contrast to the four beautiful city beaches others desert beaches and practically untouched. The joyful hustle and bustle of city life forms contrast with the peaceful coastline and the rugged natural beauty of the interior, with areas such as the Macizo del Montdúver massif and El Surar, wherecork oaks cover almost a thousand hectares of land. At times dreamy haven of peace, at other times a bustling hub, the capital of the La Safor district is a city blessed with that somewhat elusive and typically Spanish spirit known as duende, inviting visitors to discover its many secrets.

Mountainous landscapes and beaches soothed by tranquil waters, history and natural beauty — Gandia encapsulates the very essence of the Mediterranean thanks to its thrilling diversity. It is a place that rises from the sea like a promised land, blessed with the perfect climate, ecological riches, a wealth of monuments and above all joyous light. The city’s six stunning kilometres of coastline embrace an array of different ambiences, from the modern and cosmopolitan to the strikingly natural, while its four sandy beaches — l’Ahuir, Playa Nord, Venecia and Rafalcaid — areall similar yet diverse. The most northerly of Gandia beaches is l’Ahuir, a sparkling gem of unspoilt sands that stretches for almost three kilometres, fringed by dunes and dense reed beds until it reaches the estuary of the River Vaca, which is home to many indigenous animals. It is a quiet and serene beach bathed by warm waters of the deepest blue and framed by sand dunes. L’Ahuir is a beach for admiring, for simply being and above all for enjoying. There is also a nudist section on this beach.

A pristine wooden boardwalk connects l’Ahuir beach with the Playa Nord or “north beach “. The boardwalk construction project also included recovery of the dunes, increased vegetation through the planting of palm trees, the creation of three shaded meeting points the installation of permanent sanitation facilities and the provision of street furniture and play areas on the sand.

Playa Nord is the most urban of Gandia’s beaches and is skirted by an esplanade that offers fantastic víews and separates the beach from a residential area which houses the cream of the city’s hotels and apartments. With its extraordinary golden sands, this beach is a beauty to behold and it too stretches for almost three kilometres. The sea here is calm, which lends extra magic to a setting that is much sought after precisely for the tranquillity of its waters, for its play areas and for its beach bars and recreational activities. A long breakwater made of rocks in the most unexpected of forms and colours marks the end of Playa Nord and offers views of the Club Náutico sailing club and the port. With berths for 400 boats, the Club Náutico is located to the north of the port and together these separate the city beach from the small stretch of sand known as Venecia.

Venecia beach is cosy and quiet, with golden sands fringed by a line of dunes anchored by vegetation and protected from the wind by a breakwater. After Venecia comes Rafalcaid, Gandia’s most southerly beach, which is bordered by a line of low dunes covered in sparse Mediterranean vegetation, like some kind of whim of Nature.

To stroll through the streets and squares of Gandia is to become part of the liveliest history in Europe. A ducal city since 1399, Gandia is a magnificent place in which to soak up some culture. A great route to take could start at the Palacio Ducal palace in the ancient walled precinct that usad to surround the mediaeval town, which is one of Gandia most emblematic monuments. The palace is built around a great central patio, with a remarkable double staircase. Inside the palace are the Salón de Corones (Hall of Crowns), the Sala dels Carrós i Centelles (Carrós and Centelles Family Hall) and the Sala Daurada (Golden Hall), plus 18th century cerarnics from Manises depicting the Four Elements and the cel-chapel of Sant Francesc de Borja.

Second stop along the trail is collegiate church, a prime example of Gothic Catalonian-Aragonese architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries. It ls notable for its sober and austere appearance, which is markedly horizontal, low-slung, solid and with few openings onto the outside. The temple, which was raised to the status of collegiate church in 1499, has two doors and was officially declared a monument of historical and artistic interest in 1931. The former University is a building that used to be house the University.

Chairs, which meant that Francesc de Borja was able to establish the University of Gandia in 1549. This centre of learning was run by the Society of Jesus for over two centuries until the decree for the expuision of the Jesuits in 1767. In 1806 the building was taken over by the Piarists, who also used it for educational purposes and who remain there to this very day. The City Hall was erected in 1778 and its facade, which is in the purest Neoclassical style and is the only feature to have been preserved following the refurbishment in 1982, is topped by an elegant balustrade upon which rest four stone busts representing the four virtues that must be observed by the city’s rulers.

The Palace of the Marqués González de Quirós is a severely defensive and palacial structure with a symmetrical floor plan and façade and was built in the late 19th century. It is notable for its carved wooden doors and its wrought-iron railings and balconies. The gardens of the Casa de la Marquesa (House of the Marchioness), which is how the palace is popularly known, are currently home to the Casa de Cultura cultural centre. These are the palace’s star feature and house many indigenous and ornamental species.

The Teatro Serrano theatre is one of Gandia’s modernist buildings. Opened in 1900 under the name of Teatro Circo or “Circus Theatre”, it was refurbished in 1912 and renamed the Teatro Serrano. It is now one of the city’s most embiematic buildings.

Importantly, Gandia was the birthplace of several major classical authors, including Ausias March, Joanot Martorell and Joan Roís de Corella, who are considered to be key figures of Spain’s Golden Age of literature in non-standard tongue. The city also witnessed the birth of several members of the Borgia family, who are arguably the most widely known Valencians. True to tradition, the Gandia of today still maintains a high level of cultural excellence which, from a literary perspective, is manifest in the city’s rather considerable number of writers and in the Premis Literaris de Gandia literary awards. Created in 1959 and organised by the City Council, these awards are presented on the 2oth November coinciding with the anniversary of the publication of the novel Tirant lo Blanc by Joanot Martorell.

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Gandia - Beaches and Culture

Long stretches of sand burnished gold by the sun and shaped by the cool hand of the sea, rugged mountains harbouring priceless archaeologicat treasures, cultivated valleys, mythical mountain peaks and woodlands of cork oak, mastic and Aleppo pine: the scenery around Gandia is an incredible mosaic of landscapes. The spectacular architecture of the city’s old quarter stands in stunning contrast to the four beautiful city beaches others desert beaches and practically untouched. The joyful hustle and bustle of city life forms contrast with the peaceful coastline and the rugged natural beauty of the interior, with areas such as the Macizo del Montdúver massif and El Surar, where cork oaks cover almost a thousand hectares of land. At times dreamy haven of peace, at other times a bustling hub, the capital of the La Safor district is a city blessed with that somewhat elusive and typically Spanish spirit known as duende, inviting visitors to discover its many secrets.

Mountainous landscapes and beaches soothed by tranquil waters, history and natural beauty — Gandia encapsulates the very essence of the Mediterranean thanks to its thrilling diversity. It is a place that rises from the sea like a promised land, blessed with the perfect climate, ecological riches, a wealth of monuments and above all joyous light. The city’s six stunning kilometres of coastline embrace an array of different ambiences, from the modern and cosmopolitan to the strikingly natural, while its four sandy beaches — l’Ahuir, Playa Nord, Venecia and Rafalcaid — areall similar yet diverse. The most northerly of Gandia beaches is l’Ahuir, a sparkling gem of unspoilt sands that stretches for almost three kilometres, fringed by dunes and dense reed beds until it reaches the estuary of the River Vaca, which is home to many indigenous animals. It is a quiet and serene beach bathed by warm waters of the deepest blue and framed by sand dunes. L’Ahuir is a beach for admiring, for simply being and above all for enjoying. There is also a nudist section on this beach.

A pristine wooden boardwalk connects l’Ahuir beach with the Playa Nord or “north beach “. The boardwalk construction project also included recovery of the dunes, increased vegetation through the planting of palm trees, the creation of three shaded meeting points the installation of permanent sanitation facilities and the provision of street furniture and play areas on the sand.

Playa Nord is the most urban of Gandia’s beaches and is skirted by an esplanade that offers fantastic víews and separates the beach from a residential area which houses the cream of the city’s hotels and apartments. With its extraordinary golden sands, this beach is a beauty to behold and it too stretches for almost three kilometres. The sea here is calm, which lends extra magic to a setting that is much sought after precisely for the tranquillity of its waters, for its play areas and for its beach bars and recreational activities. A long breakwater made of rocks in the most unexpected of forms and colours marks the end of Playa Nord and offers views of the Club Náutico sailing club and the port. With berths for 400 boats, the Club Náutico is located to the north of the port and together these separate the city beach from the small stretch of sand known as Venecia.

Venecia beach is cosy and quiet, with golden sands fringed by a line of dunes anchored by vegetation and protected from the wind by a breakwater. After Venecia comes Rafalcaid, Gandia’s most southerly beach, which is bordered by a line of low dunes covered in sparse Mediterranean vegetation, like some kind of whim of Nature.

To stroll through the streets and squares of Gandia is to become part of the liveliest history in Europe. A ducal city since 1399, Gandia is a magnificent place in which to soak up some culture. A great route to take could start at the Palacio Ducal palace in the ancient walled precinct that usad to surround the mediaeval town, which is one of Gandia most emblematic monuments. The palace is built around a great central patio, with a remarkable double staircase. Inside the palace are the Salón de Corones (Hall of Crowns), the Sala dels Carrós i Centelles (Carrós and Centelles Family Hall) and the Sala Daurada (Golden Hall), plus 18th century cerarnics from Manises depicting the Four Elements and the cel-chapel of Sant Francesc de Borja.

Second stop along the trail is collegiate church, a prime example of Gothic Catalonian-Aragonese architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries. It ls notable for its sober and austere appearance, which is markedly horizontal, low-slung, solid and with few openings onto the outside. The temple, which was raised to the status of collegiate church in 1499, has two doors and was officially declared a monument of historical and artistic interest in 1931. The former University is a building that used to be house the University.

Chairs, which meant that Francesc de Borja was able to establish the University of Gandia in 1549. This centre of learning was run by the Society of Jesus for over two centuries until the decree for the expuision of the Jesuits in 1767. In 1806 the building was taken over by the Piarists, who also used it for educational purposes and who remain there to this very day. The City Hall was erected in 1778 and its facade, which is in the purest Neoclassical style and is the only feature to have been preserved following the refurbishment in 1982, is topped by an elegant balustrade upon which rest four stone busts representing the four virtues that must be observed by the city’s rulers.

The Palace of the Marqués González de Quirós is a severely defensive and palacial structure with a symmetrical floor plan and façade and was built in the late 19th century. It is notable for its carved wooden doors and its wrought-iron railings and balconies. The gardens of the Casa de la Marquesa (House of the Marchioness), which is how the palace is popularly known, are currently home to the Casa de Cultura cultural centre. These are the palace’s star feature and house many indigenous and ornamental species.

The Teatro Serrano theatre is one of Gandia’s modernist buildings. Opened in 1900 under the name of Teatro Circo or “Circus Theatre”, it was refurbished in 1912 and renamed the Teatro Serrano. It is now one of the city’s most embiematic buildings.

Importantly, Gandia was the birthplace of several major classical authors, including Ausias March, Joanot Martorell and Joan Roís de Corella, who are considered to be key figures of Spain’s Golden Age of literature in non-standard tongue. The city also witnessed the birth of several members of the Borgia family, who are arguably the most widely known Valencians. True to tradition, the Gandia of today still maintains a high level of cultural excellence which, from a literary perspective, is manifest in the city’s rather considerable number of writers and in the Premis Literaris de Gandia literary awards. Created in 1959 and organised by the City Council, these awards are presented on the 2oth November coinciding with the anniversary of the publication of the novel Tirant lo Blanc by Joanot Martorell.

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