Day trip to Gandia

Wednesday, 8 October 2025
The Ducal Palace, Basilica “La Seu”, lunch at La Alquimia
65€ per person

Moraira U3A cordially invites you, to come with us on an historical adventure – a cultural and gastronomic day out to Gandia
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and architecture of Gandia. This unforgettable day combines guided cultural experiences, stunning landmarks, and a delicious local lunch in a charming setting.

The Ducal Palace of the Borgias

Our first stop will be for half of our group to visit the magnificent Ducal Palace of the Borgias, while the other half of the group visit the Collegiate Church nearby. The Ducal Palace was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1964. Situated in the heart of Gandia’s historic Centre, next to the Collegiate Church of Santa María and the Town Hall, the palace has witnessed the city’s evolution since medieval times.
Inside, we will explore breathtaking rooms adorned with original tiles, treasures dating back to the 14th century, and architecture that reflects centuries of history:

• Gothic roots from the 14th–15th centuries
• Renaissance elegance of the 16th century
• Baroque grandeur from the 17th–18th centuries
• Neo-Gothic reconstructions of the late 19th–20th centuries

A guided audio tour will enrich our visit, bringing the palace’s past to life with stories of the powerful Borgia family. Expect opulence, intrigue, and artistry in every corner.

The Collegiate Basilica of Santa María “La Seu”

Afterwards, we will have an hour’s free time as there will be a mass at the church and afterwards we will change over groups and again visit both venues. We shall continue our fantastic historical journey just steps away in the Collegiate Basilica of Santa María, the city’s principal church. Begun in the 14th century and completed two centuries later, this Valencian Gothic masterpiece was elevated to the status of Collegiate thanks to Pope Alexander VI. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1931, it is both majestic and intimate.

Highlights include:

• The single nave with side chapels, embodying austere Gothic style.
• The South Door (Puerta de Santa María) and the Apostles’ Door, among the earliest works of the great Renaissance sculptor Damián Forment.
• Its layered history, marked by both glory and loss, including the disappearance of its ornate decorations during the Spanish Civil War.

This guided visit will reveal the basilica as a true jewel of Spanish Gothic architecture.

A Culinary Pause – Lunch at La Alquimia

Following our cultural journey, we will enjoy a relaxed lunch at the highly regarded Alquimia Restaurant, where modern cuisine meets tradition in an elegant setting. This will be the perfect moment to share impressions of the morning and savor Gandia’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Travel Details

• Coach pick-up: Around 9:00 am (to be confirmed) at La Senieta, Moraira
• Coach drop-off: Same location, late afternoon

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This trip promises a unique blend of history, architecture, art, and cuisine – a glamorous day out that combines the grandeur of the Borgias with the spiritual beauty of Gandia’s crowned with a memorable lunch.
The cost is 65 euros, but places are limited to only 40 people so jump in quickly!!

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