Plaza de los Palomitos, officially Plaza del Rey Jaime I, is a hidden treasure in the heart of Gandia. This unique space, known for its double identity, blends the city’s rich history with the charm of everyday Valencian life.
In this article, I will reveal the best-kept secrets of this emblematic square. We will explore its fascinating history, discover why locals love it so much and guide you through its most picturesque corners.
Plaza del Rey Jaime I or Plaza de los Palomitos?
Before getting into the details, let’s clear up the mystery of the name. Officially, we are talking about Plaza del Rey Jaime I, or Placa del Rei Jaume I in Valencian.
However, if you ask any local for “Plaza de los Palomitos”, or Placa dels Colomets, they will send you to the same place.
Why the double name? The answer is in the air, literally. This square is known for the large number of pigeons that gather there. Over time, they became part of the place’s identity, to the point of giving it its most popular name.
But wait, there is more.
Older residents may even know it as Plaza del Sego, although that name is falling out of use among younger generations.
The Golden Age of Cine Royalty
One of the most exciting chapters in the history of this square came with the age of cinema. Cine Royalty, which for a short period was called Cine Goya, was located here and became the heart of entertainment in Gandia during the first half of the 20th century.
At that time, the square looked more like a park than what we see today. Imagine Sunday afternoons, with families and couples strolling before going in to watch the latest fashionable film.
Although the cinema no longer exists as such, its facade still stands, a silent reminder of those glamorous days.
What to See in Plaza de los Palomitos
Although the square itself may seem simple at first glance, it contains several buildings and elements worth paying attention to:
The Cine Royalty Facade
Although the cinema no longer operates, its facade remains as a tribute to the golden age of film in Gandia. Today, the ground floor of the building houses several shops.
The Former Post Office
This building has a fascinating history. Originally it was the Ausias March high school, and later it became the post and telegraph office.
Although it is currently empty, as the postal service moved to Calle San Rafael, it remains an emblematic building.
Do not miss the small clock on its facade.
The Convent of San Roque
This building is perhaps the most important historically. It has had many uses over time and currently houses the historical archive in its right wing and the Central Library of Gandia on the left.
If you are interested in local history or simply looking for a quiet place to read, this is your spot. You can still see some remains of the old convent, especially on the second floor.
The Church of San Roque
Although technically it is not in the square, it is so close that it deserves a mention.
To visit it, you only need to turn down Calle San Roque until you reach the small Plaza del Beato Andres Hibernon, which, between us, is more of a wide street than a square in the strict sense.
The Statue of James I
In the centre of the square, as if watching over everything around it, stands the statue of James I. This king, known as “the Conqueror”, played a crucial role in the history of Valencia and, by extension, Gandia.
His presence here is no coincidence: it is a constant reminder of the city’s historical roots.
And right next to it, as if trying to compete for attention, there is usually a pigeon. It is an image that perfectly sums up the duality of this square: history and everyday life living together in harmony.
How to Get There
Getting to Plaza de los Palomitos is very easy, as it is right in the heart of Gandia.
If you are coming from the train station, you only need to cross Calle Mayor and ask any local. They will point you to one of the streets on the right that leads directly to the square.
If you have just visited Casa de la Marquesa, you are in luck. Right opposite it you will find one of the streets that leads into the square.
For those who prefer to move around by car, the advice is always the same in Gandia’s historic centre: it is better to leave it in the Gregorio Mayans high-school car park or in the fairground car park, opposite Paseo de las Germanias.
From there, a pleasant walk will take you not only to this square, but also to many other charming corners of the centre.
