Benissili lies in the eastern part of Vall de Gallinera at an altitude of around 400 metres and is the highest village in the valley. The village sits on an almost circular promontory; three ravines converge on its northern side to form a single ravine. Alongside this striking landscape feature, the castle, church and historic village paths give the place a clear cultural and historical character.
Castle, History and Historic Paths
Alcalà Castle, usually known as Benissili Castle, lies at the entrance to the valley from the inland area, at an altitude of 784.7 metres. During al-Azraq’s first uprising, Benissili Castle was his residence from 1247 to 1258. It follows the typical layout of a Muslim castle, with an albacara, or large courtyard, and a celoquia, or citadel. Other features include its considerable size, complex structure and natural defences.
The historic Camino Real approached Benissili from the north, passed along Calle Major and continued towards the road to Planes. Calle Major can therefore be understood as part of the former route through the village.
Church and Threshing Floors
The Church of San Pascual Bailón has a single-nave layout with four bays and side chapels. The single nave is arranged around a main space; the bays divide it, while the chapels extend from its sides. Barrel vaults, transverse arches and Corinthian pilasters define the church interior. The castle and church thus represent distinct architectural themes: a complex defensive structure and a carefully articulated sacred space.
The village’s former uses can also be traced at several locations. Benissili has several surviving threshing floors: two are near the cemetery, and another was by the spring and washhouse, where there is now a square. The square with the spring is marked as a former threshing floor on the Route of the 8 Villages.
Paths to the Castle and El Xarpolar
The route to Benissili Castle and the Iberian settlement of El Xarpolar is 3.8 kilometres long, reaches an elevation of 890 metres and is of moderate difficulty. It begins beside the former school in the upper part of Benissili. From there, it passes between centuries-old olive trees to the county road; an asphalt section then leads to the fortress. The route also passes through a stand of large holm oaks and by cherry-tree terraces before reaching the archaeological sites. Route details may be adjusted by the local authorities; check conditions before setting out. Surface conditions may also change.
A side path climbs from the spring to higher slopes, where the Iberian settlement of El Xarpolar lies at an elevation of 902 metres. The main path and this side path provide different points of reference for the archaeological sites and the landscape around Benissili.
Cherry Terraces and the Valley
In Vall de Gallinera, early cherries are associated with a distinctive microclimate. This includes mild temperatures, proximity to the coast and the orientation of the mountains. The cherry-tree terraces along the route add a tangible landscape feature to this agricultural theme. In this way, the village’s architectural history connects with paths through the landscape and the regional cherry-growing theme of Vall de Gallinera.
Discover more destinations: Teulada, Guadalest, Biar, Los Arenales Del Sol, Tàrbena, Almoradí, La Vila Joiosa, Canyades d'en Cirus.
Go to the main travel overview: Alicante.
