Vinalopó Alto
Alto Vinalopó―L’Alt Vinalopó in Valenciano―is the region located in the northeast corner of the Alicante province. It is bordered by Valencia to the north, and Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia to the west. In fact, this ‘natural frontier’ between the Castilian plateau and the Levante coast, combined with the Mediterranean climate and fertile land, has historically been the driving force behind the region’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. The areas surrounding the biggest municipalities, with Villena at the top of the list, still have archaeological remains of several civilisations, and they are open to visitors. These include prehistoric settlements such as Cabezo Redondo, Iberian archaeological sites like El Puntal, Moorish fortresses such as the Atalaya Castle, and 19th-century agro-industrial colonies like Santa Eulalia.
The region in question―along with its Medio and Bajo Vinalopó counterparts―stretches out across both slopes of the Vinalopó Valley, a long depression formed by the river that shares its name throughout its 92-kilometre existence, supplying water to countless municipalities, including Biar, Beneixama, Campo de Mirra, Cañada, Villena, Sax and Salinas. This arid landscape, with unexpected touches of green thanks to natural treasures such as Sierra de Mariola Park, also boasts the beauty of the colourful fertile fields and vast vineyards that sustain part of the local economy. It is no coincidence that the Vinalopó regions, specifically the city of Villena, are must-see sites on the renowned Alicante Wine Route.
Another famous historical itinerary that crosses the aforementioned area is the Vinalopó Castles Route, which invites visitors to explore the region’s municipalities and the ruins of ancient Moorish fortresses. The castles in Sax, Biar and Banyeres de Mariola, all in excellent condition and overlooking the surrounding area, are excellent legacies of the borderland battles fought between the Moors and the Christians during the 13th-century Reconquista.
Another recommendation is to visit Villena, a city with 35,000 residents―more than half the population of Vinalopó Alto―and whose historic district boasts a varied array of historic monuments located around the Atalaya Castle, which was built by the Moors in the 12th century. Other interesting buildings include the Municipal Palace, constructed in the late 16th century in a renaissance style; the Church of Santa María, built on the former site of an ancient mosque; and Chapí Theatre, which has elements ranging from classicism to Valencian modernism with Neomudéjar lines. Also worth viewing are the façades of Casa Rocher and the Selva Palace, which are extremely valuable examples of the modernist architecture linked to fortunes obtained through the first industrialisation of the Levante region.
Before leaving Alto Vinalopó, be sure to try the local cuisine, a combination of recipes from La Mancha and the Mediterranean coast. To check this off your list, simply visit any of the municipalities. Rice with rabbit and snails, traditional gazpacho, and meatballs (also called faseguras) are the most popular dishes on restaurant menus. Be sure to pair them with a good fondillón, a traditional local wine that can be traced back to the 15th century.
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