Novelda: Modernism, Museums and Festivals

Discover Novelda through its cultural and natural attractions: modernist architecture, museums, historic buildings, the Moros y Cristianos festivals, and a route through the natural area of Els Clots de la Sal i Serra de la Mola. If you are considering Novelda as a travel destination, these different highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Modernist Architecture and Museums

The Casa Museo Modernista is considered an outstanding example of eclectic modernist architecture in the province of Alicante. Its features include carved wood and glass, stucco, ceiling and wall paintings, marble, and period furniture. The staircase and the courtyard surrounded by white marble columns are particular highlights. In addition to the architecture, you can appreciate the materials used and the interior design.

The Museo del Modernismo opened after the Casa Palacete Gómez-Tortosa was rehabilitated, restored, and adapted as a museum. It presents the history of modernism in Novelda, the economic and social context in which it developed, and the history of the house. A tea room, dining room, kitchen, and library have been recreated according to the original layout. The collection also includes historical furniture belonging to the Gómez-Tortosa family.

The Museo Histórico-Artístico de la ciudad de Novelda offers a different focus: it has a permanent exhibition room, a space for educational activities and temporary exhibitions, a specialist library, and a laboratory. These facilities differ from the recreated living spaces of the Museo del Modernismo and offer two distinct ways to explore Novelda’s cultural history.

Historic Sites and Cultural Life

Construction of the Parroquia arciprestal de San Pedro Apóstol began in 1553, and the church was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. Its history of construction thus spans several centuries. The building of the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Novelda offers a different perspective on the city’s cultural life: its two floors contain large halls intended for games, social gatherings, exhibitions, conferences, and piano concerts.

The Moros y Cristianos festivals in Novelda have a history spanning more than fifty years and are designated a regional festival of tourist interest. They are celebrated from July 19 to 25. If you would like to plan your trip around these festival dates, check the program for the relevant year.

Guided Tours and Insights into the Surroundings

By prior arrangement, the Museo Histórico-Artístico offers guided visits to the Museo Arqueológico, Castillo de La Mola, and the old town for school groups and cultural associations. Tourist Info Novelda also organizes guided walking tours of the city for groups, when requested in advance. The offerings therefore differ both in the groups they cater to and in the sights included. Arrange your preferred visit in advance.

A virtual 360-degree tour is available for the Ermita de San Felip. It also shows the burial crypt inside, which is not accessible during an in-person visit. If you are interested in this part of the ermita, the virtual tour offers a glimpse that is not possible on site.

The route through the Paraje Natural Municipal de Els Clots de la Sal i Serra de la Mola includes the Clots Roig and Negre, remains of the Acequia Mayor canal, and a birdwatching area. There, you can discover the wildlife around the Vinalopó River. A guided hiking activity announced in April 2024 and organized by the Ayuntamiento de Novelda followed the section of local hiking trail CV-127 that runs alongside the Vinalopó River through the natural area.

Novelda thus combines cultural attractions with a distinctive natural setting. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on modernist architecture and museums, historic sites and festival days, or the landscape around Els Clots de la Sal i Serra de la Mola.

Discover more destinations: Busot, Relleu, Las Virtudes, Villena, Gata De Gorgos, Sax, Benidorm, El Tosalet.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.