One of the most important mosques that are conserved in the Valencian territory.
You arrive by walking for 10 minutes, from el Monestir de Santa Maria, through Barx Street and on the left, following the walls of the temple, throughout 100 meters. Then follow the signs to the right, between orange fields, until the end of the path. It is usually closed, but you can see the whole building through the doors.
We are in front of the last religious monument of moorish origin that remains standing in the region of La Safor-Valldigna, and has a particular charm, both for the type of construction and for its natural surroundings.
L’Ermita de Santa Anna or Antiga Mesquita de la Xara is one of the most important mosques that are preserved in the Valencian territory. It was built around the 15th century to give a place of prayer to Muslims who lived in l’alqueria de la Xara after the Christian settlements.
When in 1525 a decree that forced the conversion of the Mudejar to Christianity was issued, the mosque was converted into a church dedicated to Santa Anna.
It has a rectangular floor and is oriented towards the south. Four pillars divide its interior into three naves. At the left of the door there is a spiral staircase with an ancient minaret function.
La Quibla is the most important element of the temple, since it must indicate the direction of Mecca and therefore the place where Muslims must direct their prayers. Nowadays we can also see the arches of the mihrab on the Quibla wall. Outside of the mosque, we can find the ancient well of ablutions. (Source: https://goo.gl/XVCQHv )