More Xátiva

The castle at the top of the hill in Xátiva was quite interesting. In order to get to it, we had to walk up the side of the steep hill on a path that seemed to be older than the castle itself.

The path pretty much disappears into the side of the hill.

Steeper than we expected.

There were some great views going up.

Still pretty steep, though.

After about 10 minutes of hiking and stepping along uneven rocks, we reached the top. Apparently there was a road leading up to the top the whole time and it is even possible to take a trolley up there, but I guess we decided to take the more authentic approach. We walked through a sweet stone gate. 

Through the gate there was a museum and even a restaurant with a beautiful patio on which we sat and checked out the view.

More view and castle walls. 

They even had gardens.

This is the view from the side of the castle that doesn't face Xátiva.

My Valencia neighbors eating at the top.

I'm not exactly sure what this says. Something about housing prisoners in the 13th century and surviving an earthquake in 1718.

Entry to prison cell.

View of the city.

The world traveler.

We walked into the cathedral in the bottom right of the picture where the bell tower is. That's the one with statues of gold. 

You can never have too much view. 

I really like these type of roofs. I'll have to find out what they are called. 

The city. 

Here's that restaurant patio I was talking about. 

It was a great trip and a good opportunity to see some Spanish history. I'm glad we got to go and see some truly old buildings and artifacts, plus it was the perfect day for a mini hike. More good times to come!