The convent of Benitaia

The convent of Benitaia belonged to the barefoot monks of the order of Saint Francis and was founded on the 11th of June, 1611, after the expulsion of the Moors, under the patronage of the Duke of Gandia. The original idea was to found the convent in Pego, but Artemisa Doria and Carles de Borja i Centelles, Dukes of Gandia and Lords of the Barony of Pego “demanded that preference be given to the foundation of the La Vall de Gallinera convent, believing it to be more urgent and necessary”. It was dedicated to Saint Andrew.
The earthquake of 1644 partially destroyed it, but it was rebuilt and inhabited until the confiscations that took place during the 19th century, which left it deserted.

Until some years ago, a few constructions were still standing, but with the replanning of the surrounding land they disappeared, as well as the old pond that collected water from the convent spring, which is currently privately owned.

The only thing that shows that there was once a building there is an enclosure full of cypress trees that was probably the cloister of the convent. Some time ago, this place was restored, rebuilding the chapels of an ancient calvary and building a small altar to celebrate Mass on special occasions.

Twice a year, on the 4th of October and the 9th of March, the solar alignment of the convent with La Foradada takes place. Thanks to the research carried out by José Lull, today we know that the convent was built in that place precisely because of this phenomenon.