Borja500

In 2010, Gandia celebrates the 5th centenary (500th) of the birth of Francisco de Borja y Aragón (Gandia 1510) the first saint of the most important of the Valencian families of history for many years ruled half the world from Rome, patron of the city, Viceroy of Catalonia, III General of the Society of Jesus, Great Private Emperor Charles V and patron of the Spanish nobility.

This event has assumed the starting point for cultural revival, social and economic development of this city.

Francisco de Borja (Gandía 1510-Rome 1572) Francisco de Borja was born 28 October 1510 in the Ducal Palace in Gandia fruit of marriage Juan de Borja, Duke of Gandia IV Joanna of Aragon (granddaughter of King Fernando El Católico). In 1624 Urban VIII beatified him on April 12 1671, Clement XI as made holy. Francisco de Borja is the pattern of Gandía and nobility Spanish and your name day is celebrated on 3 October.
Calixtus III (Canals 1378 – Rome 1458) The final ascent of the Borja family with the arrival of Alfonso de Borja to the Vatican as Pope Callistus III (1455-1458). He was an educated man, negotiator, independent, family, equipped for diplomacy, a brilliant jurist who occupied many relatives and compatriots in many different positions Vatican.
The second Pope Alexander VI Spanish, born in Xativa in 1431. Rodrigo Borgia, the son of Jofre Borgia and Isabella Borja is the favorite nephew of Alfonso de Borja (Pope Calixtus III), who took care of their education and training and was protected at all times. Throughout his life and his papacy, Rodrigo de Borja won, thanks to its political and economic skills, put the Borgia family in all areas of  power, both in the Vatican City and Valencia, Gandia and Xativa.
LUCRETIA BORJA (Subiaco 1480 – Ferrara 1519) Lucretia (daughter of Rodrigo Borgia and Vannozza Cattanei) was an educated woman who always lived under the plans of his father and his brother Rodrigo César, who contributed to the legend of this beautiful black woman . In 1505 it will become the Duchess of Ferrara. Lucrecia started to deal with matters of State earning the respect and affection of all.
Caesar Borgia, the illegitimate son of Third Rodrigo Borja (better known by the name of Alexander VI, Pope) and a Roman lady named Rosa Vanozza. He was born around 1457 and died in front of the castle of Viana on March 12, 1507. His father, shortly after assuming the papal throne,appointed him archbishop of Valencia and later Cardinal (1493), and in a negotiation with the King of Naples, Caesar obtained for a considerable revenue and the promise of giving the same one great offices of the crown.