The Hostería Mont Sant,
situated in the north eastern part of Xátivas castle, one of the most
exiting place you will find in the land of Valencia. A short historical
excursion takes you to the beginning of Mont Sant. On the dead of
Spain’s hero "El Cid" once again Xátiva was conquered by the Arabs. It
was in the 12th century when these same Arabs embellished the town and
built a beautiful palace on the top the Aljama. Home of Wazires and
Kings, it was the seta of oriental luxury, comparing to any Harem in
Damaskus or Baghdad. Two centuries later in the year 1320 the grandson
of "El Cid" Jaime II "liberated " Xátiva from the occupants and built a
monastery on the Aljama, the Monastery of Santa María Magdalena de la
Algema del Monte Santo, Mont Sant. The Hosteria Mont Sant is surrounded
by the old defense wall which descends from the minor Castle to the Town
of Xátiva.
There are the remains of the Arab walls, the Aljibe (old water tank),
the canal, the Mirador (observation point), the access door to the
ancient Bernardos Monastery and over fifteen thousand square meters of
gardens that are full of history.
Hosteria de Mont Sant is a four star hotel in a four acres estate,
located within the XIIth century stone walls of the castle from which
the only two Spanish Popes have emerged. Mont-Sant used to be the
country house of the family of its present owner, Javier Cifre; he
turned it into a hotel and restaurant just recently, in 1994. Although
he is not a professional of the business, quoting his own words: “He has
done everything with logic and the result has been undoubtedly rewarding.”
The place has only seven rooms which are all located on the first level,
above the restaurant; except for two rooms which were added, and are
outside the main building. These are rooms “Castillo” and “Catedral” (the
best in the house). All rooms of Hosteria de Mont-Sant are simple in
decor but comfortable. Javier is in the process of building 10 new
outside wooden cottages, we had the opportunity to see the first one
being finished and must say it looked quite appealing: approximately 30
square meters, plus a front terrace looking over the main building into
the valley, a marvellous view!.
The Hosteria Mont Sant enjoys a pretty good reputation as a restaurant
as well as an Inn, so it is best to reserve very in advance even to eat
there. |
