Essentials

This watchtower was built in 1557 by order of the viceroy of Valencia, don Bernardino de Cárdenas, as a defence system against the attacks of the Berber pirates. It stands out from the rest of the watchtowers to be found along the Valencian coastline because of its size and its magnificent state of repair, as it was restored in 1990. It is truly a symbol for the people of El Campello, and is used as a setting for different events, and an emblem of the area.

Elche's Conjunto Histórico Artístico, Historical and Artistic Centre, boasts streets steeped in history, reminding us of its Arab origins. Elche's historical centre is located north of what used to be the walled city, where you can still find magnificent Arab baths in what is now the Convent of La Merced.

The city's Islamic layout has gradually disappeared, giving way to magnificent buildings from later centuries, such as the Casa de los Cosido, the Casa de los Hierros, the Casa de los Cornella and the Altamira palaces, the Basilica, the Hospital de la Caridad and the Hermitage of San Sebastián.

You will love the old town of Elche, and a stroll through its streets is sure to be the perfect complement to your getaway in this corner of Alicante boasting three heritage sites protected by UNESCO.

Known as the Mystery Play in English, Misteri d'Elx is a musical drama that tells the story of the death, assumption and crowning of the Virgin Mary. The play is performed yearly on the 14 and 15 August in the town of Elche.

Misteri d'Elx is performed in the beautiful Baroque backdrop of Santa María basilica.

UNESCO listed the play Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001 such as to protect and conserve it. The town of Elche is home to a great deal of heritage and there is a total of three heritage sites: Misteri d'Elx, Palmeral of Elche and Museo Escolar Pusol.

The play dates back to the 15th century, though the score has been embellished over the centuries. You will hear a combination of Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval sounds.

In the days leading up to the performance, the excitement about Misteri d'Elx is palpable. In early August, there are rehearsals for the main parts, the children’s choir (representing the angels) and the aerial elements of the performance. On the 13 August, Nit de l'Albà marks the start of festivities with fireworks being launched from the locals’ rooftops. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind musical drama and be blown away by the beauty of the piece and the history of the score.

The Torre de la Calahorra, Calahorra Tower in Elche, a city offering three UNESCO-protected heritage sites, still preserves part of its original structure. It once formed part of the town's perimeter wall.

With a rectangular base, the Calahorra Tower is built of ashlar and masonry, although has not retained its original height due to partial collapse following an earthquake in 1829.

In the 19th century, windows in a neo-Arabic style were added, while its parapet was remodelled to include crenellations. Though nowadays it is a public building, its chequered history includes use as a grain store, a military barracks, and even as a stately residence.

Include the Calahorra Tower in your visit to Elche. It is definitely worth a stop to admire its imposing walls.

In Elche's heart, the Altamira Castle-Palace is an architectural gem boasting centuries of history. During the 15th and 19th centuries, it was the residence of the city's lords. However, its origins date back even further, to the Islamic period (11th-13th centuries). The preserved remains of its walls and base of the keep date from this period.

During its history, Elche's Altamira Castle has operated at times as both a prison and textile factory, functions that have left their mark on its architecture.

Today, its polygonal silhouette, with its round towers and stately 18th-century façade, make it one of Alicante's best-preserved fortresses. After several restorations, it now houses Elche's Alejandro Ramos Folqués Archaeological and History Museum (MAHE), where you can see a replica of the iconic Lady of Elche. A must-see for anyone wanting to learn about the city's living history!

The small village of Gaibiel is home to a number of sights that tell the story of its past. Antigua Casa de la Villa, the old town hall, is a case in point. Located in the historic centre, sitting opposite the church, it was built in the 17th century and is currently listed as a Site of Local Importance.

Over the years, Antigua Casa de la Villa has had many incarnations: it has been the chamber of agriculture, home of the village teacher, municipal storehouse and even an abattoir. With each change of use, the building underwent modifications both to its interior and exterior. A clear example of this is the main façade, which originally had just one door, and now has three.

Gaibiel is a pretty little village whose sights and surroundings paint a quaint picture of life in inland province of Castellón. So come along to Alto Palancia to discover everything the village has to offer.

Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol, San Pedro Apóstol Parish Church in Gaibiel, is a Baroque place of worship you absolutely have to visit. As you take a look around this fascinating part of El Alto Palancia in the province of Castellón, you’ll find countless points of interest. The church entrance has a lintel and Tuscan pillars and is topped with a niche. The belltower comprises four vertical sections and the church’s blue tiled dome is a Gaibiel landmark.

As you step inside San Pedro Apóstol Parish Church, you’ll find three naves and a choir, decorated with pillars and frescoes. The latter depict scenes from the life of San Pedro, Bible stories and images of other saints. It also houses a silver chalice dating back to the 17th century. Come and visit the church as part of your sightseeing tour before heading to Gaibiel Castle. With all its wash houses, fountains and weirs, Gaibiel is a joy to explore. A place to make wonderful memories in the province of Castellón.

El Morabito, also known as Morabito de Marxuquera, in Gandia is something of a mystery. This unusual 6m tall round-shaped building has a domed roof with embrasures and defensive openings typically found in castles and town walls in its lower walls.

Its surroundings suggest that El Morabito was once enclosed by an exterior wall topped with a roof. The large round pebbles, cut stone and brick walls used to construct the building have led experts to believe that it was built, approximately, in the 17th century.

El Morabito’s use, however, is still uncertain. Recent research has suggested that it could have been a temporary store for ice removed from the local ice houses before it was transported to the buyer. Other schools of thought believe that it could have been a temporary place of residence or a dovecot, similar to those found in the Gascony region of France.

El Morabito owes its name to a North African structure that goes by the same name. Though the building has similarities with this type of structure, it has largely been ruled out that El Morabito in Gandia dates to the Islamic period.

The Marxuquera area in Gandia is steeped in history. Not only can you visit El Morabito here, but a further two sites, Cova del Parpalló and Cova de les Meravelles, where some important remains from the Palaeolithic Age have been found. Put El Morabito on your list of things to see and do in Gandia and consider what you think this most unusual of buildings was used for.

If you are visiting Gandia, make sure Ducal Palace of the Borgias is on your list of things to visit. This fascinating building will take you on a journey from the 15th century to the present day, immersing you in the architectural elements of the Crown of Aragon through time. A range of guided tours are also on offer to make sure you don’t miss a single detail of the treasures that abound inside its walls. Ducal Palace of the Borgias in Gandia was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1964 and is one of the most famous buildings in the Region of Valencia.

Its location is key. Situated in the heart of the historic centre, the palace has borne witness to practically all of Gandia’s history since its foundation. During your visit, you’ll discover the different architectural styles that have defined its long history.

Specifically, you’ll see the vestiges of the early Gothic palace dating back from the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as Renaissance elements from the 16th century, Baroque extensions from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as, finally, neo-Gothic reconstructions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition to the guided tours, you can join a living history tour to live all the events that took place in Ducal Palace. There is also a whole programme of cultural events that will immerse you even further in the history of the palace.

Architecture, history, art… Ducal Palace of the Borgias in Gandia offers it all.

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia Parish Church, located in the heart of Geldo, is a fascinating architectural and historic heritage site. The church has been a fundamental part of community life since its construction in the 16th century. A free-standing brick-built structure, the place of worship is defined by its elaborate façade and belltower, and stands out in the landscape.

Step inside and you will see one nave defined by decorated pillars and a half barrel vault with lunettes. Sgraffito, a decorative technique influenced by the Muslims, adorns the columns and arches with vegetal and animal motifs. Grapes and pomegranates – powerful symbols that are bursting with meaning – intertwine with the decoration, adding spiritual significance.

Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia Parish Church also houses a wooden sculpture of Cristo de la Luz, a great example of artistic prowess. Each and every corner of the place of worship bears testament to the devotion and artistic mastery that continue in Geldo to this day. With its historic and aesthetic legacy, the church is a captivating sight that is more than worth a visit.