Ermita de Santa Anna, Xàtiva

Ermita de Santa Anna is a small hilltop chapel standing right on the boundary between Xàtiva and La Llosa de Ranes, in the la Costera district of the Valencia region.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The chapel sits on top of the hill that shares its name, precisely on the line separating the municipalities of Xàtiva and La Llosa de Ranes. Reaching it means following a local road or a footpath that climbs steeply to the summit — the ascent itself is part of the appeal for anyone looking for a short scenic outing in the la Costera area.

What is the history behind it?

The current building dates from the 16th century and was raised in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Historians believe — though no documents confirm it — that an earlier structure may have stood on the same spot as far back as the 14th century, possibly before 1377.

The chapel was funded by Cardinal Rodrigo de Borja, who built it in 1456 following the example of his uncle, Alfonso de Borja — Pope Callixtus III. Alfonso had already endowed a chapel to Saint Anne inside La Seu, the collegiate church of Xàtiva, and Rodrigo (the future Pope Alexander VI) echoed that gesture by raising a separate hilltop shrine.

No records about the chapel survive in the municipal archive: they were destroyed in the fire ordered by King Philip V in 1707, when Xàtiva was punitively burned during the War of the Spanish Succession.

What can you see on site?

The building's most striking feature is its deep blue dome painted with a star motif, restored by the well-known painter Boix. The chapel also preserves the coats of arms of both Xàtiva and Valencia, a reminder of its founding by the Borja family and its ties to both cities.

Because of its hilltop position, the site has long been valued for its views. On clear days the panorama stretches all the way to the Desierto de las Palmas nature reserve and the El Benicadell mountain range. Local tradition holds that this very spot is where King James I of Aragon first caught sight of Xàtiva Castle, giving the chapel an extra layer of historical significance for the region.

When is the best time to visit?

Since this is an open hilltop site with no covered visitor infrastructure, it's best visited on clear, calm days when visibility allows the surrounding panorama to be properly appreciated. Morning or late-afternoon hours during the warmer months offer the most comfortable conditions for the climb, avoiding the harshest midday sun. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the approach runs over steep terrain.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the Ermita de Santa Anna? Cardinal Rodrigo de Borja built it in 1456, following the example of his uncle Pope Callixtus III, who had earlier endowed a chapel to Saint Anne inside Xàtiva's collegiate church.

What architectural style is the chapel built in? The present building is in the Flamboyant Gothic style and dates from the 16th century, although an earlier structure may have occupied the site as early as the 14th century.

What is the most notable feature inside? The blue dome decorated with a star pattern, restored by the painter Boix, is the chapel's most distinctive detail.

Is there more to see here besides the chapel itself? Yes — the hilltop offers panoramic views that reach as far as the Desierto de las Palmas nature reserve and El Benicadell on clear days, and local legend ties the spot to King James I's first sighting of Xàtiva Castle.