A 20th-century church with the mark of a Valencian saint in the heart of Russafa
In the heart of the Russafa neighbourhood, between Cuba and Literato Azorín streets, stands the parish church of San Francisco de Borja, opened in 1961 and designed by Valencian architect Luis Albert Ballesteros. Built during the expansion of the district in the 1950s, it forms part of the recent history of one of the city's most characterful quarters.
The church is named after Francisco de Borja, 4th Duke of Gandía, who in 1539 renounced his title and fortune to join the Society of Jesus. He went on to lead the order as its 3rd Superior General and was canonised in 1671.
Today, it combines daily worship with guided tours that open its interior to the public, making it ideal to discover in depth.
Why visit the Church of San Francisco de Borja
- There is a very comprehensive guided tour, ideal for discovering its history without missing a detail
- The interior houses little-known mural paintings
- It is an active parish church with daily services
- In under an hour, the tour combines architecture, history, and the vibrant atmosphere of Russafa
- It pairs perfectly with the Borgia Route in Valencia
Things to do at the Church of San Francisco de Borja
The church can be experienced in two ways: through a guided tour of the interior, or by admiring its architecture from the street at any time.
Discover the church on a guided tour
A guide leads you through the church, explaining its history and key features, before continuing through Russafa to highlight the facade of the Church of San Valero y San Vicente Mártir and finishing at the Mercado de Russafa. Tours take place every Monday at 10:00, with advance booking required for a minimum of five adults.
Admire the facade and the surrounding neighbourhood
The church can also be admired from the outside along Calle Cuba at any time. Its facade, designed by Luis Albert Ballesteros, forms part of the neighbourhood's daily scenery, just steps from the lively terraces and atmosphere of Russafa — a perfect starting point for a stroll through one of the city's most vibrant areas.