Ontilles can be explored through an unusually rich interplay of medical history, architectural heritage and walking routes. At its heart is the Sanatorio San Francisco de Borja, which opened in 1909 to care for people with leprosy. The sanatorium played a fundamental role in the history of Spain’s efforts to eliminate leprosy. It also remains a reference centre for training and research on the disease. Here, early care, a development of national significance and current professional work come together around a single subject. This gives a stay a clear cultural focus, without limiting exploration to a single building.

History, Buildings and Landscape

The cultural history extends beyond the sanatorium. The buildings, wall, fields and valley landscape of the Fontilles Valley are tangible records of personal and shared life stories, as well as of Spain’s social, political, medical and cultural history. Keeping these connections in mind makes it possible to see the sanatorium as part of a broader history. The landscape and architectural remains are not separate subjects; rather, they offer different perspectives on life in the valley and its history.

The Església Sanatori de Fontilles, at the entrance to the sanatorium, offers a distinctive architectural point of interest. It is dedicated to San Francisco de Borja, founder of the Jesuit order. Its façade is neoclassical and designed in the style of an altarpiece. The dedication and the façade provide two specific starting points for exploring the building: its connection to San Francisco de Borja and its distinctive architectural design.

The Castillo de Azabras includes sections of wall, the remains of a square tower and a cistern. The castle can be visited. These surviving features offer an approach different from the history of the sanatorium: here, the focus is on the architectural remains of a castle complex. Visitors interested in historic buildings can explore these different sites without treating them as a single architectural history.

Two Routes, Different Points of Reference

The approved SL-CV 185.1 route, the Barranco de Fontilles variant, is a 1.30-kilometre linear trail. It starts at the Plaza del Sanatorio de Fontilles. From there, it follows an old path to the Puerta de Orba. Its length, linear layout and named points of reference give the route a clear framework. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

The SL-CV 185 Sender de les Atzavares leads to the Sanatorio de Fontilles. The two routes therefore have different points of reference: the sanatorium is the destination of the Sender, while the Barranco de Fontilles variant starts at the Plaza del Sanatorio and continues to the Puerta de Orba. This distinction can help you choose the route and point of reference that best suit your visit.

For a cultural trip, you can plan around different questions: Would you like to focus on medical history and its significance for Spain, explore architectural details, or take in the castle remains? The routes complement these themes with different points of reference. This lets you shape your stay around the interests that matter to you, without combining the historic sites and routes into a single circuit.

Discover more destinations: Albatera, Gata De Gorgos, Trencall, El Campello, Xinorlet, Benilloba, Formentera Del Segura, Relleu.

For the broader travel guide: Alicante.