Pego combines a distinctive wetland landscape with a rich local history. The protected Marjal Pego-Oliva natural area extends across two provinces: its western half belongs to Pego in Alicante, and its eastern half to Oliva in Valencia. For a stay focused on nature and culture, these offer two different perspectives on the region – the Marjal landscape and the historic sites and collections in Pego.
Wetland, Dunes and Views
The Marjal Pego-Oliva includes dunes, malladas, rivers and cultivated land. As a wetland and dune system, its ecosystem is fed and sustained by the Bullent-Vedat and Racons-Molinell rivers, as well as by the Mostalla and Segària aquifers. These waterways and groundwater reserves are therefore as much a part of this natural area as its varied landscapes.
The Muntanyeta Verda offers sweeping views of rice fields, the Sierra de Segaria and Montgó. This viewpoint adds a distinct perspective to the description of the wetland, bringing the visible landscape features to the fore. Visitors discovering Pego for its natural environment can distinguish between the Marjal’s ecological connections and the panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Local History Across the Ages
Pego’s urban heritage route leads to up to 13 historic sites in the town centre. Thirteen multilingual information panels accompany the route, in Valencian, Spanish, English, French and German. German-speaking visitors can therefore also read the signs in German. The route provides a framework for considering several historic sites in the centre together, rather than viewing them simply as individual buildings.
Historic buildings include the Church of the Assumption of Mary, which dates from the late 16th century, and its bell tower, added in the early 18th century. The Ecce Homo Chapel provides another specific date: it was built in 1759 on the site of the former Hospital de Pobres. The Portal de Sala, meanwhile, is the only surviving one of Pego’s three medieval gates. Together, these sites reflect different periods of history – from the medieval town gate to later church buildings.
An earlier period of history is represented by Ambra Castle. Its construction is dated to the beginning of the 13th century; its remains stand on a rocky ridge 264 metres above sea level. Its date and location therefore set it apart from the heritage route’s buildings in the town centre.
Two Museums, Different Focuses
Pego’s Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1991 with works that had received awards in the “Vila de Pego” painting competition. The collection also includes donations from “Los Amigos del Museo de Pego,” notable artists and art galleries. The collection’s origins are thus closely linked to the competition, while the donations mentioned later represent additional contributions.
The Ethnological Museum has a different focus: it is devoted primarily to rice cultivation and marketing, as well as traditional crafts and orange growing. It illustrates rice cultivation and milling with donated tools and historic photographs. While the Museum of Contemporary Art brings together works from a painting competition and donations, the Ethnological Museum focuses on agricultural activities and traditional crafts.
Plan Your Festival Visit and Journey
The Moros i Cristians festival takes place every year in late June. It features Moorish and Christian comparsas, as well as an Embajada, which depicts the Christian king’s entry into the Moorish castle. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates of the celebrations before your visit.
For journeys from the north, the route described takes the Oliva–Pego exit on the A-7. After the toll, head south on the N-332 to the far end of Oliva; there, turn right onto regional road 3318 to Pego. Check current traffic conditions before setting off. When planning, you can choose between a stay focused on nature, local history or the festival held in late June, without confusing these different reasons for visiting.
Discover more destinations: Los Montesinos, Gaianes, Orxeta, Castalla, La Vall De Laguar, L'alfàs Del Pi, La Vall De Gallinera, Ontilles.
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
