Senija: Art, History and Trails

Senija offers several points of interest for your stay: art in the streets, religious architectural history and trails in the surrounding area. You can explore the Museu Obert de Senija on a walk; Santa Caterina and Mare de Déu Negreta are notable for their architectural and artistic history. The trails pass historic traces in the landscape and lead to a cave or viewpoints. If you’re looking for a hotel in Senija, you can plan your stay around these interests.

Outdoor art and a walk with QR-code stops

The Museu Obert de Senija (MOS) is an open-air museum featuring artistic works on façades and walls. Admission is free, and you can explore the museum on a walk through Senija’s streets. The artworks often reflect the way of life of the local residents. The walk through the town thus combines public art with a glimpse of local life.

Another way to learn about Senija’s history is to follow the “Senija. Va de sentits” walk. 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 the trail conditions before setting out.

Churches, chapel 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. Its artworks include a Baroque sculpture of La Mare de Déu dels Desemparats made of polychrome wood, as well as a 14th-century image of La Mare de Déu de La Misericòrdia. This image comes from the former church.

The chapel of Mare de Déu Negreta is located in the La Cometa area of Senija and was built in 1965. Another historically significant structure is L’Arc Gòtic, a pointed Gothic brick arch. The construction of L’Arc Gòtic is very likely associated with the period when Senija became a Morisco vicarage dependent on Benissa in 1535 and was established as an independent parish in 1569.

The town’s former economic activity is also part of its history: Senija’s residents were mainly engaged in producing raisins and growing grapes for export. This historic activity offers a different perspective on the town’s past from its religious buildings and artworks.

Trails, terraced fields and views

The PR-CV 53.5 Camí dels Morterets passes valuable dry-stone heritage and old terraced fields on the hillsides. The La Creu de Senija route leads to a cross at an altitude of 405 metres. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views across the entire Gorgos basin to its mouth at the foot of Montgó; visibility depends on the weather.

Cova de la Garganta can be reached from Senija via the Camí dels Murtalets towards Les Bassetes. The trail leads to a summit with the iron Creu Alta cross. The cave itself is not very deep, extends horizontally for 50 metres and is catalogued as a rock shelter. The possible destinations therefore differ considerably: one trail leads to a cave and a distinctive summit cross, the La Creu de Senija route leads to a viewpoint, and the Camí dels Morterets passes traces of terraced farming.

Patron saint 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 in May. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the exact dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Benifato, La Vall De Laguar, Relleu, Agres, La Vall d'Ebo, Altea, Elche, Salinas.

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