Tower and walls of the Borgias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tower and walls of the Borgias |
|
---|---|
Native name Spanish: Torre y muralla de los Borja |
|
![]() Tower of the Borgias, Canals
|
|
Location | Canals (Valencia) |
Built | 13th century- 14th century |
Architectural style(s) | Valencian Gothic |
Official name: Torre y muralla de los Borja | |
Type | Non-movable |
Criteria | Monument |
The Tower and walls of the Borgias are old buildings in the town of Canals, Spain. They are found in the Valencian area. This important historical site is also known as Torreta de Canals in the local language. It has been officially protected as a special cultural landmark since April 3, 2000.
Contents
History of the Borgia Tower
Building the Tower and Walls
The original tower was built a very long time ago, in the 13th century. This was during a period when much of Spain was under Muslim rule, known as Al-Andalus. The tower was an important part of the town's defenses.
Later, in the 14th century, a large palace was added. This palace was built in a style called Valencian Gothic. This means it had tall, pointed arches and detailed stone work, common in that region. The builders used the existing Muslim tower and parts of its walls to create this new palace.
The Borgia Family Home
This grand palace became the home of the famous Borgia family. They were a powerful family from a nearby town called Xativa. The palace in Canals was their main base in the area. They held the title over the Señorío de Torre de Canals, which meant they were in charge of this land.
One of the most famous members of this family was Pope Callixtus III. He was born right here in this very building. He later became a very important leader in the Catholic Church.
Restoring the Historic Site
Over many centuries, the tower and walls remained an important part of Canals. In 1995, the town hall of Canals bought the tower. They then worked to restore it, making sure this historical treasure would be preserved for future generations to see and learn from.