PROVINCE OF VALENCIA – Anna, a charming town in the province of Valencia, is home to a surprising cultural gem: the Palacio de los Condes de Cervellón. This is often referred to as the ‘Pequeña Alhambra Valenciana’, or the ‘Little Alhambra of Valencia’.
The palace offers a magical mass of Islamic and Baroque architecture. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in different layers of Spanish history. Due to its location, various areas of the palace also offer spectacular views.
Islamic elegance in a baroque setting
The palace was built in the 17th century. However, its foundation lies on an even older castle from the 12th century. The real highlight is undoubtedly the Arabian Terrace and its associated room, where visitors are treated to beautiful mosaics, exquisite carvings and plaster decorations that seem to come straight from the Al-Andalus period. Moreover, these spaces contrast beautifully with the Baroque facade and the Salas Borja and Cervellón, which offer a glimpse into the Moderna, Spain’s early modern period.
A living museum
The Palace of the Counts of Cervellón today functions as a ‘Centro de Difusión Patrimonial’, a heritage centre where visitors can experience the rich history of the region through exhibitions. Furthermore, the centre offers a varied view of the local heritage.
A journey through time
The most striking aspect is undoubtedly the multimedia projection in the Salas Borja and Cervellón. Through image and sound, the histories of the families who owned the estate come to life. In addition, a special room has been set up that pays tribute to the illustrious people who have lived in Anna over the centuries.
Anna is located in the interior of the province of Valencia and is part of the comarca (a kind of region) called La Canal de Navarrés. The landscape is characterised by mountains and valleys, which means the area attracts many hikers and nature lovers. Moreover, in the Lagunas de Anna nature reserve, you will find a number of small lakes and waterfalls. All this makes it an ideal place for a family day out for a picnic, swimming or bird watching.
Plan your visit
If you want to explore this architectural wonder, you’ll need to book a guided tour. The palace can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday. For a general ticket you pay €4, and for children between 4 and 12 years old admission is only €1.
How do you get there
Anna is about a 50-minute drive from Valencia via the A-7, while from Albacete it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A-31 and A-35.
Also read: These are the ten most visited monuments in Spain
