In Alcalà de la Jovada, local history, archaeological remains and regional cuisine come together. In the town centre, the focus is on religious heritage, fountains and traces of older fortifications; former settlements, historic buildings and routes offer more to discover. This lets you tailor your trip to your interests and focus on local history, landscapes or culinary themes.
Getting to Alcalà de la Jovada
There are two routes from Pego to Alcalà de la Jovada: via Vall d'Ebo on the CV-712 or via Vall de Gallinera on the CV-700. Check current road conditions before setting out and choose the approach through the valley that best suits your plans.
Church and Historic Traces in the Town Centre
The Església Parroquial de la Puríssima Concepció stands in the town centre and is a religious heritage site. It was consecrated in 1636 over the main structure of an earlier castle or manor house, as well as the remains of a mosque. The church preserves elements of the former building's fortifications. Here, religious use and older defensive architecture can be seen together.
Traces of the former Castell de la Vall d'Alcalà can also be seen in the town centre; the Castillo de la Vall d'Alcalà is designated a cultural heritage site. Fountains are another striking feature of the town. On Plaça del Bisbe Vilaplana, opposite the town hall, there is a modern stone fountain: water flows from the mouth of a bronze head of al-Azraq into a semicircular basin. Below the Puríssima Church is another, almost natural-looking stone fountain, with a stone basin and dense vegetation. A walk through Alcalà de la Jovada also takes in the Torre de la Donzella.
Former Settlements and Castles
The former Moorish settlement of L'Atzubieta lies north of Alcalà de la Jovada, separated from the town by a river. The remains of the Poblado morisco de l’Atzubieta include a waterwheel, an irrigation channel, a mill, an oil press, a bridge and the gardens immediately associated with the settlement. If you are planning a walk there, check the path conditions beforehand.
Xarpolar, an Iberian archaeological site, lies near Alcalà de la Jovada at the western end of Foradada, at an altitude of 900 metres. Access depends on path conditions, which you should check before visiting. The Castell d'Alcalà o de Benissili is also part of the area's historical context: its origins date back to the 11th century. Historically, it was used to monitor and defend access to the valley from inland areas.
Aqüeducte and the History of Snow
The Aqüeducte dates from the late 16th or early 17th century and is now surrounded by nature. It can be used as a route. Take care when walking on this historic structure.
The Nevera de Baix dates from the 18th century, when the snow trade reached its peak. A different aspect comes to the fore at the Nevera de Dalt: its ice was once sold at regional markets and supplied coastal ports such as Dénia. These two different structures link the historic heyday of the snow trade with its former distribution as far as the coast.
Routes, Cuisine and Events
The Alcalà – Castell d'Al-Azraq – Xarpolar route starts in Alcalà de la Jovada. Les Neveres d'Alcalà starts in the town's main square. The route to the Castell d'Alcalà o de Benissili is considered moderately difficult. Check current path conditions before setting out, particularly if you are planning your trip around a specific route.
Mintxos offer a taste of the local cuisine: they are cooked on a griddle and filled with Mullador, for example with onions and tomatoes, river prawns and tomatoes, anchovies or sausage. La Vall d'Alcalà is also part of the protected geographical indication Cireres de la Muntanya d'Alacant.
The Al-Azraq Fest is a gastronomy, culture and tourism fair in the municipality of Alcalà de la Jovada. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the current edition. The patron saint festivities in Alcalà de la Jovada take place from 7 to 14 August; check the current year's programme when planning your visit.
When looking for a hotel in La Vall D'alcalà, you can compare the location of each property with your plans for Alcalà de la Jovada and the routes you want to take.
Discover more destinations: Formentera Del Segura, Xaló, Catral, El Tossal, Gata De Gorgos, Onil, Alcoleja, Parcent
For the broader travel guide: Alicante.
