Palacio de Benicarlo, Valencia

Historic Building, Historic Site and Palace in Valencia

Palacio de Benicarlo
Palacio de Benicarlo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric

Palacio de Benicarlo (also known as the Palau dels Borja) is one of Valencia's most intriguing historic buildings: a late-medieval palace in the heart of the old city that today serves as the seat of the Valencian Parliament, Les Corts Valencianes. From the outside it feels quietly grand, but the real payoff is inside, where you can step into ceremonial rooms and spaces tied to centuries of political and civic life.

It's an easy add-on to a Ciutat Vella walking tour: pair it with nearby landmarks like the Turia gardens edge, the Cathedral area, and the atmospheric streets around Plaza de Sant Llorenç. If you're choosing the best places to see it, start with the façade and the square for photos, then aim for a guided visit time to experience the interiors and the parliamentary chamber.

History and Significance of the Palacio de Benicarlo

The building’s story begins in the late 15th century, when it took shape as a Gothic-style palace in Valencia’s historic core. Over time it became closely associated with the powerful Borja (Borgia) family, who used it as a residence—one reason you’ll often hear it called the Borgia Palace.

Before and after its aristocratic chapter, the site’s role shifted with the city’s needs. It previously functioned as a School of Art and Grammar (dating back to the early 15th century), and later periods brought neglect, ownership changes, and major alterations that reshaped its appearance.

Its modern significance is unmistakable: Palacio de Benicarlo is the institutional home of Les Corts Valencianes. That living, working function gives the visit a different feel from a typical museum palace—part heritage monument, part active civic building.

Things to See and Do in the Palacio de Benicarlo

The highlight for most visitors is the guided route through the palace interiors, which typically includes an introduction to the building’s history and a look into key rooms used for official functions. Many travelers find that the storytelling element—who lived here, how the building changed, and what it represents today—adds a lot of value.

If your visit includes the hemicycle (the parliamentary chamber), it’s a memorable contrast: ornate historic architecture framing a modern democratic space. Even if you’re not a politics enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how a centuries-old palace has been adapted for contemporary government.

Don’t rush the exterior, either. The surrounding streets and Plaza de Sant Llorenç are ideal for a quick photo stop on foot, and they connect naturally with other Ciutat Vella sights—making this palace a strong “walk-by plus” that becomes a “must-enter” if you can align with a visit slot.

How to Get to the Palacio de Benicarlo

Valencia Airport (VLC) is the closest airport for most travelers, with Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) a common backup if you're combining cities on the Mediterranean coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

Valencia is well connected by long-distance and regional rail, and arriving at Estació del Nord or Joaquín Sorolla makes it straightforward to continue by taxi, bus, or a short metro connection toward the historic center. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for a central underground car park and continue on foot through Ciutat Vella, since street access and parking can be limited near the old-town lanes. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Palacio de Benicarlo

  • Official website: https://www.cortsvalencianes.es/es/conocenos/visita
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday: 10:00–13:00. Friday: 10:00–13:00. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. (August) No guided visits.
  • Best time to visit: Choose a morning visit slot for a calmer experience and easier logistics in the Old Town. If you’re also sightseeing nearby, plan the palace first, then continue on foot to surrounding monuments.
  • How long to spend: Budget about 1 hour for the guided visit itself, plus extra time for the square and nearby streets. If you're pairing it with a walking tour, a 2–3 hour old-town loop works well.
  • Accessibility: As an institutional building, access procedures and routes can be controlled; expect security-style entry and a defined visitor path. If step-free access is essential, contact the venue in advance to confirm the current route.
  • Facilities: Facilities can be more limited than in a dedicated museum (because it’s a working parliament), so plan café breaks before or after in Ciutat Vella. Bring an ID and arrive a bit early for check-in.

Where to Stay Close to the Palacio de Benicarlo

Base yourself in Ciutat Vella (Valencia Old Town) for the easiest walkable access to the palace and the city's most iconic historic sights.

Caro Hotel A design-forward luxury option set in a historic setting, ideal if you want a special stay within a short stroll of the palace and the Cathedral area.

Hotel SH Inglés Boutique A classic boutique pick with a central address that’s excellent for walking everywhere, especially if you like being close to shopping streets and old-town cafés.

Vincci Lys A comfortable, well-located choice that balances value and convenience, great for travelers who want easy access to both the historic center and transport hubs.

Only YOU Hotel Valencia Stylish and modern with a strong food-and-drink scene, perfect if you want an upscale base that still keeps you within an easy walk or quick taxi ride to Ciutat Vella.

Hotel Dimar A reliable mid-range option near the Turia Gardens, ideal if you want a quieter feel while staying close enough to walk into the old town and the palace.

Is the Palacio de Benicarlo Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you enjoy historic architecture with real civic relevance, Palacio de Benicarlo is absolutely worth it. The combination of a Borgia-linked palace and an active parliamentary seat makes the experience feel distinctive, and visitors consistently come away impressed by the interiors and the guided interpretation.

Honest Pivot: if you prefer fully self-paced museums, dislike fixed routes, or you’re short on time and can’t align with a visit slot, it may be better as an exterior photo stop while you prioritize Valencia’s always-open highlights like plazas, markets, and gardens.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (7,553)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with many visitors calling the palace interior impressive and the experience genuinely informative. Travelers frequently praise the guided format and audio-style explanations for making the history easy to follow, and they highlight ornate craftsmanship and standout rooms as major highlights. A recurring drawback is that the visit can feel controlled, with a single set route and some areas not accessible, so it’s less of a free-roam palace experience.

Jack Meddings
3 months ago
"Wow this was an excellent and very interesting trip. The palace is wonderful and the use of their headphone is brilliant as it guides you througheach room. Incredibly detailed and interesting look on this property its owners and history. The craftsman ship in the some of the room is exquisite especially the golden ball. If you in Gandia well worth a visit..."
Mark Parker
2 months ago
"We visited on a Saturday afternoon for the 5 pm tour. There were around 20 people on the Spanish tour. Very interesting and costing €8 per person.There are options to walk around with a recorded guide machine. We parked in the underground car park close by. The tour was up to one hour and a half...."
Volo
6 months ago
"I would live in this palace without a shadow of doubts 🤣nEnjoyed the exterior and interior of the palace. It was really surprising to look at thesizes of doors, beds, chairs. Humans were much lower than us...."

For Different Travelers

Palacio de Benicarlo works best for travelers who like context: it's not just pretty rooms, but a building with a layered story and a present-day purpose. Think of it as a focused, guided cultural stop rather than a wander-anywhere attraction.

Families with Kids

Families can enjoy the “palace factor” (grand rooms, unusual proportions, and a sense of stepping into another era), especially if kids like stories about how people lived long ago. Keeping expectations clear helps: it’s typically a structured visit with rules appropriate to an official building.

Pair it with kid-friendly nearby stops afterward—open spaces and snack breaks in the old town can turn the day into a smoother experience. If your family enjoys audio-style explanations, the guided format can actually make it easier than reading signage.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the elegant setting and the old-town atmosphere around Plaza de Sant Llorenç, which is especially pleasant for a pre-dinner stroll. The palace visit itself is more cultural than romantic, but it’s a memorable shared experience if you like architecture and history.

Plan a simple itinerary: palace visit, a walk through Ciutat Vella lanes, then tapas or a sit-down meal nearby. It’s a great “one-hour highlight” that doesn’t dominate your day.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will like that this is a high-impact cultural visit without the price tag of major-ticket attractions. Because it’s in the historic center, you can reach it on foot and bundle it with other free or low-cost sights.

The main budget tradeoff is timing: you may need to plan around limited visit windows. Build a walking loop so you’re never waiting around—markets, churches, and plazas nearby fill the gaps nicely.

History Buffs

History lovers get the most out of Palacio de Benicarlo because the building's story spans late-medieval Valencia, aristocratic power, later reinventions, and modern governance. The Borgia association adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially if you've visited other Borja-linked sites in the region.

To deepen the experience, treat it as part of a broader “power and politics” theme in Valencia: compare it with nearby religious and civic monuments, and pay attention to how architecture signals authority across different eras.

FAQs for Visiting Palacio de Benicarlo

Getting There

Yes—if you’re staying in Ciutat Vella, it’s typically an easy walk through historic streets. From more modern districts, a short taxi or bus ride gets you close, then you continue on foot.
Use public transport to reach the city center, then walk the last stretch through Ciutat Vella. This avoids the stress of central parking and restricted streets.
Yes, it fits well into a morning loop with nearby monuments and plazas. Plan your route so you’re already in the area before your visit time.

Tickets & Entry

Often, yes—visits are typically organized and may require prior arrangement. If you’re traveling in peak season, booking ahead is the safest approach.
Many institutional visits are offered free of charge, but access can depend on parliamentary activity. Confirm the current conditions when you reserve.
Bring a valid photo ID and arrive early in case there’s a check-in process. Avoid bringing bulky bags if you can.

Visiting Experience

Expect a structured visit route, commonly guided, with a clear start time. This is part of what keeps the experience smooth in a working government building.
It feels more like a heritage building with interpretation than a museum full of exhibits. The rooms and institutional spaces are the main attraction.
Many visits include the hemicycle, but it can depend on the day and official use. If it’s important to you, ask when booking.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes—pairing it with a Ciutat Vella walking route makes the palace more meaningful and efficient. It also helps you see the building in the context of Valencia’s historic street plan.
Access can be restricted during official activity. If your dates are fixed, check availability early and have a backup plan nearby.
Start with the palace, then continue through the old town toward major churches, plazas, and a market stop for lunch. Keep everything walkable to save time.

Photography

Rules can vary because it’s an official building. Assume some rooms may have restrictions and follow staff guidance.
Plaza de Sant Llorenç is the easiest place to frame the façade cleanly. Nearby narrow streets also work well for atmospheric angles.
Morning light is often kinder in the old-town streets and helps avoid harsh shadows. If you’re photographing the square, check the sun direction when you arrive.

Accessibility & Facilities

It may be available, but routes can change depending on security and the day’s activity. Contact the venue ahead of time if you need a step-free route.
Facilities may exist but can be limited compared with large museums. Plan a café stop nearby as a backup.
Don’t count on luggage storage inside an official building. Use your hotel reception or a dedicated luggage storage service in the city instead.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes—Ciutat Vella has plenty of cafés within a short walk. It’s best to plan your break before or after the visit rather than expecting on-site options.
Very—walk a few minutes and you’ll have everything from quick tapas to sit-down restaurants. Reserving can help on weekends.
For a casual break, head toward open public spaces and gardens rather than trying to eat near the entrance. Keep it tidy and respectful in historic areas.

Safety & Timing

The old town is generally safe and busy, especially during daytime. Use normal city precautions with valuables in crowded streets.
Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to allow for check-in and any security procedures. Late arrivals may not be accommodated if the visit is timed.
Because it’s a working institution, schedules can shift. Have a nearby backup sight in mind so your day still works smoothly.

Nearby Attractions to the Palacio de Benicarlo

  • Valencia Cathedral: A landmark complex where you can explore layers of architecture and the lively plaza atmosphere nearby.
  • Plaza de la Virgen: One of the city's most iconic squares, great for people-watching and photos in the historic center.
  • La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange): A UNESCO-listed masterpiece that showcases Valencia's mercantile golden age.
  • Mercado Central: A beautiful modernist market hall that's perfect for a snack stop and local produce browsing.
  • Jardín del Turia: Valencia’s famous former riverbed park, ideal for a relaxing walk after old-town sightseeing.

The Palacio de Benicarlo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday: 10:00-13:00.

Friday: 10:00-13:00.

Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.

(August) No guided visits.

Price:

Free.

Address: Carrer del Duc Alfons el Vell, 1, 46701 Gandia, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 2 km
Telephone: +34 962 87 14 65
Official Website

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