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The ancient settlement of Jativa lies less than an hour from the coast. Here the Iberians prospered and minted coinage, only to be ousted by the Romans and then by Hannibal's Carthaginians on their way to Rome. A Visigoth episcopal seat, the town was conquered by the Moors in the 10th century, and it was from Jativa that they introduced paper manufactured in Europe.Jaime I took the town in 1244 and its fortunes waxed and waned over the following centuries.Burned in 1707, it was rebuilt but gradually lost its political importance. The birthplace of two Borgia popes and the painter El Espanoleto, Jativa today offers a perfect contrast to the modern coastal resorts. The old quarter of the town is lined with stately mansions and is built into the hill that overlooks the town.
There is a road up the magnificent castle.Its a tough walk but there is a tourist train twice a day.The panoramic views from the top help to explain Jativas historical and strategic importance through the centuries. 
This ancient mountain town is known as the “City of Two Popes” – Alexander VI and Calixto III (both Borjas) were born here. Piled steeply on a hillside, the narrow streets and arcaded squares are still scattered with handsome churches and escutcheoned mansions, which attest to its medieval importance. It’s topped with a fine castle offering incredible views Colegiata Basílica de Santa María, Xŕtiva (Játiva), Museo de l’Almudí, Xŕtiva (Játiva), Xŕtiva (Játiva).
Museo de l’Almudí, Xŕtiva (Játiva)
This much-restored 16th-century granary is home to fragments of Iberian sculpture and Visigothic capitals, as well as a large collection of paintings, including several works by Xŕtiva-born José de Ribera. A portrait of King Felipe V is famously hung the wrong way up, as punishment for his burning the city down in 1707.
Xativa has a delightful, sprawling street market, with everything from food to socks, takes place in the old town.
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