What would a castle be without a city to defend?

   The Roman Saetabis, the Arab Xàtebe, the Christian Xàtiva is a welcoming city; its origins go back to the Iberian period when the city showed already its commercial calling by minting coins.

During the Roman days the city got category of municipium famous for its fabrics. But it was during the Arab days that the city acquired a great splendour, being source of poets, scientists and the point of expansion of paper in Europe. The Christian conquest placed Xateba in a prominent role, it was during this time that the castle reached its greatest protagonism and that historical figures like the two Popes Borja arose.

   The medieval splendour was truncated by the King Felipe V "the Incendiary" who, as resentment for his cruelty, hangs upside down in Xàtiva's Museu de l'Almodí.

In spite of this highly important historical event, the city retains a great part of the splendour that made it the second most important city of the Kingdom of Valencia.    Proof of that are the seven National Historical Monuments it has, its declaration of Historic-Artistic Ensemble and its nomination to become World Heritage Property by UNESCO.
All of this, no doubt, demands a visit. Quatre Fulles, S. L., company of touristic service, will arrange visits of the city and the castle of any duration you want, calling 96 353 20 90, 48 hours in advance, or visiting their webpage www.quatrefulles.com