Cave Houses in Petrer: History, Curiosities and Tourism in this Unique Heritage Site
Published 21/04/2025
Come along on this fascinating activity in Petrer: visit its historic cave houses and discover how life was lived in this corner of Alicante decades ago.
The Cave Houses in Petrer, located in the province of Alicante, are curious dwellings dug into the walls and slopes of its castle, a 12th-century fortress that stands tall on the heights. These dwellings have a fascinating history of their own!
The Cave Houses date back to the early 20th century, when building was permitted on the land around the castle so as to provide more homes in the town. There are also other Cave Houses in other parts of Petrer, such as on the Puça promenade and in some rural areas. Seeking them out is sure to be an incredible adventure.
In the 1970s, the houses fell into disuse, but fortunately many of them became municipal property, so now you can include them in your itinerary. They have been renovated and adapted into public spaces, making them open to the public. We encourage you to visit the Cave Houses next to the walls, an ethnological must-visit.
The rooms and the everyday objects that have been restored and maintained give you the opportunity to discover how people lived in Petrer in the past. They are perfect recreations of houses in the period when they were built. Traditional tools from the time are also on display.
This is a wonderful activity to include on your list of things to see in Petrer, along with a climb to the castle to admire not only the architecture but the beautiful views. Get ready for a fantastic day spent visiting other cultural sites like the Dámaso Navarro Archaeological and Ethnological Museum, the San Rafael Aqueduct or hiking through the beautiful mountain ranges that surround the town. Come and discover the Cave Houses in Petrer!







