Ermita de Santa Anna, Xàtiva

The Ermita de Santa Anna is a Gothic hermitage atop Santa Anna hill in Xàtiva with a rectangular plan and ribbed vaults divided by transverse arches. The entrance is semicircular with plain voussoirs, and the interior features sculpted corbels supporting the structural ribs throughout the chamber.

Cardinal Roderic de Borja commissioned this hermitage in 1456, following his uncle Pope Alfonso de Borja who had founded a Santa Anna chapel inside Xàtiva Cathedral. The construction reflected the family's growing influence and piety in the region during the 15th century.

The vault keys display Gothic decorations featuring the Borja family emblem, the Virgin with Jesus, Saint Michael, and shields of Xàtiva and Aragon. These symbols show the ties between the town and the powerful families that shaped its history.

Access requires crossing through La Llosa de Ranes municipality and following the path toward the Baths of Santa Anna. The climb to the hilltop location demands some physical effort and sturdy footwear.

The head section features a false octagonal vault with double cracked trumpets, a rare architectural detail. This construction technique is seldom found in other buildings throughout the region.

Location: Xàtiva

Inception: 16 century

Architectural style: Valencian Gothic

GPS coordinates: 39.03110,-0.53180

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09