Casa de la Marquesa is one of the most interesting buildings in Gandia, and I do not say that lightly. This 19th-century palace has been transformed into the city’s cultural centre.
It is not just a pretty place for photos, although it certainly is. Things happen here: concerts, workshops, talks… there is always something new. Best of all, it does not feel like a boring museum.
It is a living place, where you can sit and read, talk with friends or even meet local artists. If you want to understand Gandia beyond its beaches, start here.
How to Get There
Casa de la Marquesa enjoys a privileged location right in the centre of Gandia, at the beginning of Paseo de las Germanias.
This location makes it easy to reach and an essential stop on any route through the city’s historic centre.
If you come by car, there are two main parking options:
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The Gregorio Mayans high-school car park, which is a little farther away but is a reliable option.
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The fairground car park, opposite Paseo de las Germanias, available except during festival periods.
For those arriving by train, the walk from the station is an excellent chance to soak up Gandia’s atmosphere.
Simply follow Calle Mayor or Calle San Francisco de Borja until you reach Paseo de las Germanias. From there, Casa de la Marquesa is easy to spot.
Casa de la Marquesa Today
Today, Casa de la Marquesa is divided into three main spaces, each with its own role and charm:
The Ground Floor
As soon as you enter, on the right, you will find a tourist and cultural information point. Here you can pick up leaflets about Gandia and information about cultural events in and around the city.
It is the perfect place to begin your visit and plan your activities in Gandia.
On the left is the crown jewel: the exhibition hall. This space hosts temporary exhibitions that usually last between 3 and 4 months.
The variety of these exhibitions is surprising, ranging from historical photography to works by internationally renowned artists.
Some examples of past exhibitions include:
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A fascinating display of old and current photographs of Valencia, allowing visitors to appreciate the city’s evolution.
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Exhibitions of works by artists such as Picasso or Alex Alemany.
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Collections of historical photographs of Gandia, offering a window into the city’s past.
This hall has become Gandia’s most important exhibition space, attracting some of the best temporary exhibitions in the region.
The Upper Floors
The first and second floors of Casa de la Marquesa are dedicated to cultural and educational events. Here you will find:
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Rooms for book presentations.
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Spaces for conferences.
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Classrooms used by the University of Valencia for various academic events.
Many of these events, especially during summer, are free, giving residents and visitors the chance to expand their knowledge at no cost.
The Romantic Garden
Perhaps one of the most charming elements of Casa de la Marquesa is its romantic garden, the only one of its kind in Gandia.
This green space is a true botanical treasure, home to a variety of native plants from the Valencian Community, as well as exotic species. Among the vegetation, you can find:
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Date palms.
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Pine trees.
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Bamboo.
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And many other species that turn the garden into a small plant paradise.
The garden is not only a place for passive enjoyment. During summer and Gandia’s festivals, held in mid-October, it becomes an open-air concert venue.
Many of these events are free, especially during the city’s festivals, turning the garden into a cultural and social meeting point.
The “Tio de la Porra”
One curious element you will find in the garden is a statue of the “Tio de la Porra”, a unique folkloric figure from Gandia.
According to tradition, this figure represents a French general with alcohol problems, hence his characteristic red nose.
The “Tio de la Porra” plays an important role in Gandia’s festivals, which are held in October.
On the day the festivities begin, music bands dressed as the “Tio de la Porra”, with drums and other traditional instruments, visit the city’s schools, marking the official start of the festivals.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Building opening hours:
- Mornings: 10:30 to 14:00.
- Afternoons: 17:00 to 20:30.
- Closed on Sundays.
Notes:
- The garden usually has longer opening hours because of the bar located there.
- Access to both the building and the garden is free.
So next time you are in Gandia, make sure you set aside time to explore Casa de la Marquesa. Walk through its rooms, enjoy an exhibition, relax in its garden and, if you are lucky, you may even attend a concert or a talk.
