A Tour of the Palace of the Borja
This historic building is the seat of the "Corts Valencianes": the autonomous parliament of the region of Valencia. This tour will show you around its main rooms and spaces.
By Corts Valencianes
Corts Valencianes
FaçadeCorts Valencianes
The "Corts Valencianes" is an institution of the regional government (Generalitat Valenciana) that represents the people of Valencia. Its members are elected through direct, free, and secret universal suffrage.
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The historic building dates back to the 14th century and is located at Plaza San Lorenzo, 4, in Valencia. It is connected to other parliamentary offices where administrative services, parliamentary groups, and the Chamber are located.
Entrance HallCorts Valencianes
In the entrance hall to the Palace of the Borjas is a large medieval arch that leads to the garden. It also houses the painting "The Battle of Almansa" and Manuel Boix's sculptures of the Borja family.
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The use of the name "Corts Valencianes" for the current Valencian Parliament reflects the intention of the authors of the Statute of Autonomy to reclaim its historic name. This does not mean, however, that the old system of representation or the former functions of the historical Corts Valencianes have been adopted. The old Corts Valencianes was organized around 3 branches (ecclesiastical, military, and royal) and its functions were very different to those of any modern parliament.
Oval staircaseCorts Valencianes
An oval staircase leads to the first floor. It is made from Carrara marble, iron, and bronze, with an impressive golden balustrade and spiral design.
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The stairway is decorated with modernist stained glass windows dating from the beginning of the 20th century. The ceiling window is the largest: it is oval in shape and depicts mythological images.
GardenCorts Valencianes
The garden of the Palace of the Borjas is surrounded by the various buildings that make up palace grounds. There is an ornamental Moreton Bay fig tree in the middle of the garden, dating from 1850. In the northern part, facing the river, there is a geometric garden with a fountain.
Room of MirrorsCorts Valencianes
On the main floor, the Hall of Mirrors was the palace's former ballroom, where dances were held. It is now the parliament's ceremonial room. 19th century.
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Corridors leading to the different rooms of the main floor.
Pinazo RoomCorts Valencianes
The Pinazo Hall is the meeting room for the Board of Spokespersons and features Ignacio Pinazo's paintings, with their mythical images. 19th century.
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The oil paintings containing mythological symbols are the work of the Valencian Ignacio Pinazo.
Hearth HallCorts Valencianes
The Fireplace Room is the meeting room for the Bureau of the Corts Valencianes. This room was the office of the President of the Republic during the Spanish Civil War. Its main feature is a fireplace made of Carrara marble. 19th century.
The Walkway RoomCorts Valencianes
On the third floor of the building is the palace's former granary, dating from the 15th century. Its gallery of windows with pointed Gothic arches is particularly striking. This area is known as the "Andana."
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The Andana is a large, bright room that is now used for official events.
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The Chamber is the meeting room for the Plenary Sessions of the Corts Valencianes. It was built from hardwood in 1990.
HemicycleCorts Valencianes
The Corts Valencianes are currently made up of 99 members of parliament elected by direct, free, and secret universal suffrage. The Plenary Sessions deal with matters that are agreed in an agenda in advance. The Bureau, consisting of the Speaker's office and the senior parliamentary lawyer, preside over the meeting while the members of parliament sit in the remaining seats. The blue seats are for the President of Valencia's regional government (Generalitat) and ministers.
Meeting RoomsCorts Valencianes
The Committee Rooms are used for meetings of the committees of the Corts Valencianes. The 3 rooms are located on the ground floor, just below the Chamber. The committees prepare the parliamentary work so the most important issues can be dealt with in the Plenary Sessions. Each committee has a president, a vice president, and a secretary.
Multipurpose roomCorts Valencianes
Room used for various purposes, including press calls, conferences, etc. 19th and 20th centuries.
Central chambers of the parliamentary partiesCorts Valencianes
Headquarters of the parliamentary groups, with Roman remains of the Via Augusta. 1st and 21st centuries.
Corts Valencianes
Texts: Corts Valencianes
Photographies: Inmaculada Caballer
Corts Valencianes
