Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Temple

Address: Monasterio de San Jeroni de Cotalba, Alcalalí (Valencia) - exact local address: Ctra. Gandia-Villar, 46725, Valencia, Spain

Website: http://www.cotalba.es/

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Mondays (hours may vary seasonally)

Admission: Adult €6-8 (approx.), reduced rates for EU seniors and children; combined options may be available

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a historic monastery near Alfauir in the Valencian Community of Spain, with foundations dating to the 14th century. The complex is recognized for its layered architecture spanning several styles.

The site contains cloisters, fortified towers, decorative courtyards and gardens that illustrate Gothic, Mudéjar and later Renaissance and Baroque interventions. Interiors and decorative details reflect the monastery’s evolution across centuries and are typically open to guided visits.

Founded in the 14th century, the monastery was successively expanded and remodelled through the 15th to 18th centuries by local nobles and religious patrons. It functioned as a religious community and estate center before later periods of decline and subsequent restoration.

It is located close to the town of Alfauir, inland from the city of Gandia on Spain’s eastern coast, set within the agricultural and semi-rural landscape of Valencia’s province.

• Architecture: Noted for an architectural mix including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque elements resulting from construction and refurbishment from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

Cotalba is near the town of Alfauir and about 7-10 km from Gandia on the Valencian coast. Best reached by car on the CV-60/ CV-671 road. Regional buses connect Gandia with nearby villages; from the nearest bus stop a taxi or a 20-30 minute walk may be required.

• Enter through the cloister if possible - the light in the Gothic Sala is best mid-morning.
• Look for the small ceramic tiles (azulejos) hidden in the courtyard - they're often missed by quick visits.
• Ask about the garden schedule; guided tours sometimes open access to upper galleries.