Tower and walls of the Borgias, Gothic tower and defensive walls in Canals, Spain

The Tower and walls of the Borgias stand in Canals, in the Valencia region. The tower has a square plan and three storeys, the top one demolished in the 19th century. It is built entirely of stone and rubble masonry, with arrow-slit windows on the first two floors and a large chamber with three rectangular windows on the last. A parapet with battlements survives on the terrace.

The square tower was built in the 13th century during the Muslim period. In the 14th century a Valencian Gothic palace was added, reusing the tower and part of the wall, as the seat of the Borja family's lordship of Torre de Canals. Pope Callixtus III was born in this building. In 1506 the lordship was sold to the town of Xàtiva, which owned it until 1847; Canals bought and restored the tower in 1995.

Locals call it the Torreta de Canals, the name used in Valencian. The palace that stood here was the power base of the cadet Borja line of Xàtiva, holders of the Señorío de Torre de Canals. Pope Callixtus III, born in this building, belonged to that family. The town hall of Canals bought the tower and restored it in 1995, removing the buildings that had been attached to it.

The fortification can be visited by contacting the Canals town hall in advance, as the municipality acquired and restored the site in 1995. Access may require prior arrangement, so it is best to check ahead before planning a visit to ensure availability.

The future Pope Callixtus III was born in the Gothic palace the Borja family raised over the Muslim tower in the 14th century. The building was the seat of the Señorío de Torre de Canals, held by the cadet Borja line of Xàtiva. In 1506 the barony was sold to the town council of Xàtiva, which owned it until 1847.