In Palma de Gandía, traces of the town's history meet walking routes and surroundings shaped by irrigated fields and orange trees. Waterworks, the Church of Sant Miquel and prehistoric paintings add distinct cultural dimensions. The short circular route and the different dates of local festivals are also useful to know when planning your visit.
Waterworks and historical interpretations
The Lavadero de la Huerta is a rectangular basin dating from the 16th or 17th century. It preserves the dimensions calculated by Muslim irrigators in earlier centuries. The Sant Miquel washhouse is also part of Palma de Gandía's water-related heritage. Les Arcadetes were used to channel water to the village.
There is a historical interpretation of the Palma dam, with a qualification: it is believed that a dam already stood on the site of today's dam during the Arab period. Walks in Palma de Gandía lead to the Palma dam.
The Church of Sant Miquel and local history
The Church of Sant Miquel is dedicated to the holy Archangel Michael. Construction began in 1392; until 1835, it was run by monks from Cotalba. Its neo-Gothic bell tower dates from 1912. These dates mark different chapters in the church's history: the start of construction, the monks' former stewardship and the tower's later addition.
Most of the town's landmark buildings are concentrated around Plaça Vella. The square is therefore a distinct point of reference for the town's history.
Prehistoric art and surviving traces
West of the town lies Cova de la Clau, with remarkable prehistoric paintings in the naturalistic, or Levantine, style. This classification offers a different perspective on time from the history of the church or the waterworks. It makes the cave a notable point of interest for travellers interested in early art.
Nearby, on a mountain between Palma de Gandía and Alfauir, stands the Castillo de Palma de Gandía, of Arab origin. Two towers, sections of wall and the remains of a cistern have survived. The round tower is currently badly damaged.
Walks, festivals and getting there
An easy, two-kilometre circular route starts in Palma de Gandía. Check trail conditions before setting out. Walks also lead to the Palma dam.
Moros i Cristians has also been celebrated in the second week of July since 2008. Festes Majors takes place in the last full week of August. The annual programme may vary, so it is advisable to check event dates for your trip. From Valencia, the route described follows the N-332 and then the CV-686 and CV-685 to Palma de Gandía; check road conditions before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Moncada, Bétera, Mogente, La Mata De Morella, Almussafes, San Antonio, La Drova, Alfafar.
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
