La Vall D'alcalà: Churches, History and Hiking Trails

For a stay in La Vall D'alcalà, cultural history, trails and regional cuisine can be explored as different points of interest. In Alcalà de la Jovada, the church in the town centre and visible traces of the former Castell de la Vall d'Alcalà are among the town's distinctive features. Other points of interest include historic buildings, archaeological sites and routes that start in the town. Festival dates and culinary traditions may also be relevant when planning your trip.

Getting to Alcalà de la Jovada

From Pego, you can reach Alcalà de la Jovada either via Vall d'Ebo on the CV-712 or via Vall de Gallinera on the CV-700. Check the latest road conditions before setting off. You can then include one of these two roads in your travel plans.

Church, Castell and townscape

The Església Parroquial de la Puríssima Concepció is a religious heritage site in the town centre. The Església de la Puríssima Concepció d'Alcalà de la Jovada was consecrated in 1636, built over the main structure of a former castle or manor house, as well as the remains of a mosque. It also preserves elements of the former building's fortifications. The church therefore brings together several layers of history that can be traced through its architectural history.

Traces of the former Castell de la Vall d'Alcalà can be seen in the town centre; the Castillo de la Vall d'Alcalà is designated as a heritage site. A walk through Alcalà de la Jovada also offers a view of the Torre de la Donzella. Two fountains provide further distinctive features: on Plaça del Bisbe Vilaplana, opposite the town hall, there is a modern stone fountain with a bronze head of al-Azraq. Water flows from its mouth into a semicircular basin. Below the Puríssima church is an almost natural stone fountain with a stone basin and dense vegetation.

Historic buildings and their stories

The Aqüeducte dates from the late 16th or early 17th century. Today, it is surrounded by nature and can be used as a path; take care on historic structures. The two Neveres also tell the story of the former use of snow and ice. The Nevera de Baix dates from the 18th century, when the snow trade reached its peak. Ice from the Nevera de Dalt was once sold at regional markets and supplied coastal ports such as Dénia.

Another historic site is the Castell d'Alcalà o de Benissili, whose origins date back to the 11th century. Its former purpose was to monitor and defend access to the valley from inland. Xarpolar is an Iberian archaeological site at the western end of Foradada, at an altitude of 900 metres. Take the route conditions into account when planning a visit.

Routes and landscape

Two different starting points are specified for route planning: the Alcalà - Castell d'Al-Azraq - Xarpolar route begins in Alcalà de la Jovada. The Les Neveres d'Alcalà route starts in the town's main square. Comparing these details can help you factor each starting point into your plans. Route conditions may change.

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 olive press, a bridge and the gardens directly associated with the site. If you plan to walk there, check the trail conditions beforehand. The Girona River rises in the Fontblanca ravine near Alcalà de la Jovada.

Regional cuisine and festival dates

Mintxos are cooked on a griddle and filled with Mullador. Possible fillings include 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 Festival is a gastronomy, culture and tourism fair in the municipality of Alcalà de la Jovada. Check the dates of the current edition before travelling. The patron saint festivities in Alcalà de la Jovada take place from 7 to 14 August; consult that year's programme when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Castillo de Montemar, El Tossal, Monforte Del Cid, Santa Clara, Penàguila, Lliber, Beniaia, Benissili

For the main travel overview: Alicante.