Ducal Palace of Gandia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ducal Palace of Gandia |
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Native name Spanish: Palau Ducal de Gandia |
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Location | Gandia (Valencia) |
Built | since 14th century |
Architectural style(s) | Valencian Gothic |
Official name: Palau Ducal de Gandia | |
Type | Non-movable |
Criteria | Monument |
Designated | 1931 |
The Ducal Palace of Gandia is a really old and important building in Gandia, a city in Valencia, Spain. For hundreds of years, starting in the 1300s, it was the home of the powerful Dukes of Gandia. From 1485, it became the main residence of the famous Borja family, who were very influential in Europe. A very special person, Saint Francis Borja, was born right here in this palace!
Contents
What is the Ducal Palace of Gandia?
The Ducal Palace of Gandia is a historic building that has changed a lot over time. It started as a strong, castle-like home in the city. Later, it was made much more comfortable and grand, becoming a true palace.
A Look at Its History
The oldest parts of the palace were built in the 1400s. This part shows the beautiful Valencian Gothic style of architecture. Over time, the palace was carefully restored and even became a special religious place thanks to the Society of Jesus. The palace is connected to the old city wall and has two main gates: one is Gothic, and the other is from the Renaissance period.
Exploring Inside the Palace
The inside of the palace is truly amazing! It has several interesting rooms and areas.
The Golden Gallery
One of the most famous parts is the Golden Gallery. This room is designed in the fancy Baroque style, which means it has lots of detailed decorations and often uses gold. It's a very grand and impressive space.
The Crown Hall
Another important room is the Crown Hall. This hall is also built in the Baroque style and would have been used for important meetings and events.
The Main Entrance
When you first enter the Ducal Palace, you'll see a strong, rounded archway. This entrance and the hallways nearby are some of the oldest parts of the Gothic palace. From this area, you enter a large central courtyard. There's an impressive outdoor staircase that leads you up to the main halls, including the beautiful Crown Hall and the Golden Gallery.