Essentials

Iglesia de la Virgen de la Huerta, La Virgen de la Huerta Church in Ademuz, located in El Rincón de Ademuz in inland province of Valencia, is a beautiful Romanesque place of worship dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Over the years, a number of elements and details from different architectural styles have been added to the church. This treasure has been one of the destination’s landmarks for centuries.

La Virgen de la Huerta Church has a unique façade, defined by a porch that is propped up by two columns. The arch surrounding the door still bears a coloured inscription in Hebrew, which is a rare feature. Inside La Virgen de la Huerta Church, there are three naves with Romanesque arches and old frescoes decorating the walls and vaults.

One of the paintings in particular will capture your attention: a Gothic work dedicated to the figure of María Magdalena. Beyond visiting this church, Ademuz has all sorts of sights both in and around its centre. We would recommend setting off to visit the incredible Iberian settlement of La Celadilla and taking a look around Ademuz Castle. The historical heritage sites populating this destination sitting on the banks of the River Turia will blow you away: so come for a visit.

La Asunción de María Parish Church is the main church in Catí, a municipality in L'Alt Maestrat. The church is located in the centre of the town and was built in various periods between the 13th and 16th centuries, using blocks of stone and stonework.

Catí church is dedicated to La Asunción de la Virgen and has been listed a Unique Building and Site of Local Importance - in the Monument of Local Interest category - since 2004.

The second entrance to the church is in the Romanesque style and its features provide an insight into the beginning of its construction, which took place in the early years of the Conquest of Catí. It has one 32m by 10.5m nave, which is divided into four sections and three diaphragm arches, covered by a wooden structure. Side chapels and altars were added over the years. This Gothic place of worship has undergone various renovations: in the 18th century, La Comunión chapel was built and decorated with a fresco by Pascual Mespletera. Make sure you come and take a look up close.

If you’re wondering what to see in Catí, stop off at the church to soak up the municipality’s historic heritage. Don’t miss out: this is a sight you’ll want to see first-hand.

Castillo y Murallas de Vistabella del Maestrat, Vistabella del Maestrat Castle and Walls, are an interesting part of the destination’s heritage. A place where time seems to have stood still, the Castle sits of a raised piece of land where today you will find an information panel and incredible views.

The walls that once protected the village can still be seen in some alleys, houses and gates, as well as the ruins sitting on the edge of the centre.

Beyond visiting Vistabella del Maestrat Castle and Walls, we’d recommend exploring each and every corner of this history-steeped destination during your time here. Make sure you stop off at La Asunción de Nuestra Señora Parish Church, an example of the Renaissance style. Or, if you fancy, you can plan a hiking getaway in Penyagolosa Natural Park, setting aside time to explore the streets of this fascinating destination.

Oropesa del Mar is a small town sitting on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Castellón. As you wander around the historic centre, you’ll get a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural and historic heritage. On your stroll along the pretty streets, you'll be drawn to the castle ruins, which date back to the Islamic period.

Oropesa del Mar Castle and Walls sit atop the historic centre of the town, a strategic position that affords panoramic views over the sea and land.

From this elevated viewpoint, you can see the orange groves that sit nestled between Marina D’or and Oropesa del Mar. You can also admire Virgen de la Paciencia Chapel, the highrises that flank the cliffs of the coast, as well as the beaches and nearby mountains.

In terms of its architecture, the castle’s floor plan was originally a regular polygon with six open towers fanning out. The main tower was in the shape of a trapezoid. Nowadays, only the Islamic structure of the walls with its four towers remain.

The ruins of Oropesa del Mar Castle and Walls that you can visit today are the result of an archaeological excavation and restoration project conducted by the town. It uncovered part of the main Islamic structure and a settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. A number of rooms in the castle were discovered during the archaeological work, some of which still have the original flooring.

Oropesa del Mar Castle and Walls has a long history. In 1090, El Cid seized the Islamic fortress from King Alhagib. It was later taken by the Christians, who recognised its strategic importance. In 1233, the castle fell under the power of King James I of Spain.

Oropesa del Mar is the perfect destination to enjoy both the tranquillity of the beach and the beauty of the mountains while immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of its charming historic centre.

La Ermita de la Virgen de la Soledad, La Virgen de la Soledad Chapel, is a modest, Neoclassical building in the heart of Cheste, a destination famous for its motor racing events.

The chapel we see today dates back to the 20th century, however, the site was once home to a much older religious temple that traced its origins back to the 15th century. Step inside and take your time to admire the church’s elegant and ornate nave.

In addition to this church in Cheste, we recommend visiting San Lucas Evangelista Parish Church, which was built in the 18th century. Next, take a stroll around Cheste’s picturesque streets lined with traditional rural houses. Start planning your trip to this quaint destination nestled in inland Valencia.

Iglesia Parroquial de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, La Asunción de Nuestra Señora Parish Church, located in Pego in the province of Alicante, is a magnificent Gothic place of worship. Dating all the way back to the 16th century, it is a must for your to-visit list.

La Asunción de Nuestra Señora Parish Church is defined by its Renaissance elements, all of which are situated on the site of the former mosque. Pego’s history can be seen in each of the walls of the church.

Following an earthquake in the 17th century, construction work started again on La Nuestra Señora Parish Church in Pego, turning it into an eclectic structure that is home to great works of art from different periods.

During your getaway to Pego, make sure you put some time aside to see La Virgen de la Esperanza Altarpiece and El Cristo de la Providencia in the church, both of which date back to the 15th century. You’ll also want to see Doble Verónica, from the 14th century. The painting is considered one of the most important Valencian Gothic pieces in existence.

Beyond visiting La Asunción de Nuestra Señora Parish Church in Pego, you can also visit Ambra Castle, which sits at the end of an easy walk, or explore Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park, an oasis where you can enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. It’s time to start planning a getaway to this part of La Marina Alta.

These towers, which were part of the first Christian city wall, bear a certain similarity to the Castel Nuovo Gate in Naples. There are three main parts to the structure : two cylindrical towers and a half-pointed arch which joins them, thus forming the gate. They were originally called the Cal (Lime)Towers because for years, all the lime that came into the city had to pass through this gate. During their centuries of existence they have been put to various uses, including that of a prison for women as well as a military prison. Signs of the bombardment that the city suffered in 1808 can still be seen on their outside walls.

Of the original building, only the pointed arches, dating from XIII century, remain today. Continuous pillaging and more than one fire made it necessary to rebuild this palace in XX century, albeit attempting at the same time to preserve the chapel and the patio. Noteworthy in the presbytery are the eight scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and in the chapel, a sculpture of the Annunciation. The semi-cloistered patio houses another sculpture of Saint Thomas of Villanueva.