This recreation, which for the first time gives form to the known Royal House, was made public as part of the program to commemorate International Museum Day. The initiative also falls within the 750th anniversary of Jaume I's death, who is the focus of this year's activities.
The model, crafted by a renowned model maker, is based on information gathered by a local archaeologist and the advice of a doctor in Medieval History. The two preserved walls of the structure already hinted at the dimensions of a tower that rose above the city wall, evolving from a defensive tower into a royal palace.
“"It is not simply an exhibition piece, but a tool for historical interpretation and dissemination."
The model includes details such as the central tower with access via the current Mayor Santa María street, the stables, a landscaped area, and the gate that separated the Muslim and Christian zones. The archaeologist explained how Jaume I claimed the third tower for his residence during the conquest of Alzira and how the expansion of the palace was financed.
The Royal House later became the Casa dels Jurats de la Vila, an administrative center, until the end of the 16th century, when the new town hall was built. Subsequently, the site was abandoned and transformed, eventually housing up to seven dwellings.
The person responsible for constructing the model detailed the complex process, which began with an initial sketch and projected the structures defined in the excavation upwards to define the rest of the building.
The municipal official lamented that the works to build a cultural center dedicated to Jaume I on the remains of the Royal House have not yet begun. He assured that, despite losing the subsidy for not obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Culture, the city council «is not giving up» and will continue to seek alternative funding avenues. It is hoped that this model will be a new step in the dissemination and protection of local heritage.
