Senija combines art in public spaces with ecclesiastical architectural and art history, as well as trails through a landscape shaped by terraced fields and stone walls. This makes the town an interesting place for a variety of discoveries: you can focus on the façades and historical depictions, or choose a route through the landscape. The town’s history also includes its former raisin production and the cultivation of grapes for export. To help plan your trip, first decide whether you are more interested in local culture or the trails.
Art in the Town and Interactive History
The Museu Obert de Senija (MOS) is an open-air museum featuring artistic works on façades and walls throughout Senija. Entry is free, and you can explore it on a walk through the streets. The works often reflect the way of life of local residents. Life in the town is therefore one of the themes of this open-air museum.
The “Senija. Va de sentits” route offers a different way to explore history: each stop has signs with QR codes that provide interactive historical information. The route is 1.09 kilometres long and has a low technical difficulty level. Check trail conditions before setting off.
Churches, Art and Local History
The present-day church of Santa Caterina dates from the 18th century and was built on the site of an old Arab mosque. It houses a Baroque polychrome wooden sculpture of La Mare de Déu dels Desemparats. The church also preserves an image of La Mare de Déu de La Misericòrdia, which comes from the former church and dates from the 14th century. The building thus brings together different historical and artistic layers.
L’Arc Gòtic also connects architecture with Senija’s history: it is a pointed Gothic brick arch. It most likely dates from the period when Senija became a Morisco vicariate dependent on Benissa in 1535 and was established as a parish in its own right in 1569. The Mare de Déu Negreta chapel, built in 1965, is located in Senija’s La Cometa district. The town’s older history also includes the fact that residents mainly produced raisins and grew grapes for export.
Trails, Views and Landscape
The La Creu de Senija route leads to a cross at an elevation of 405 metres. From there, panoramic views stretch across the entire Gorgos basin to its mouth at the foot of Montgó; visibility depends on the weather. The PR-CV 53.5 Camí dels Morterets runs along the slopes past valuable stonework heritage and old terraced fields.
Another trail leads from Senija along the Camí dels Murtalets towards Les Bassetes and the Cova de la Garganta. The route continues to a summit with the iron Creu Alta cross. The cave is shallow, extends horizontally for 50 metres and is classified as a rock shelter. Check trail conditions before visiting.
The routes offer different highlights: La Creu de Senija is known for its views across the Gorgos basin, while stonework and old terraced fields shape the landscape along the PR-CV 53.5. The Cova de la Garganta adds the route along the Camí dels Murtalets and the distinctive form of the rock shelter.
Festivities in May
Senija’s patron saint festivities are held in honour of the Virgen de los Desamparados and Santa Catalina Màrtir on the first weekend of May. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the specific dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gaianes, La Romana, Monforte Del Cid, Ondara, La Nucia, Castillo de Montemar, El Bacarot, Benijófar
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
