Alcoi & Xativa

ALCOI Alcoi is situated in the Comunidad Autónoma (autonomous community) of Valencia in southeastern Spain.  This historic town is well-known for its fantastic Moors and Christians fiesta, cuisine, and areas of natural beauty. It is known also as ‘the city of bridges’. From its many bridges, you can see the magnificent mountains and natural landscape surrounding Alcoi, including the Carrascal de la Font Roja natural park and the Sierra de Mariola mountain, known for its variety of aromatic plants. The square of Plaza de España is the center of the city. In the medieval quarter, you can visit the old City Hall, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the Festivities of Moors and Christians. If you go in the opposite direction, up to San Nicolás street, you will discover the Modernist part of town. Fun fact: Alcoi is also the hometown of the Serpis olives, which has to be the most famous tapas in the world. HISTORY OF XÀTIVA Xàtiva is a town in eastern Spain, in the province of Valencia. It is located 25 km west of the Mediterranean Sea. In the 12th century, Arabs brought the technology to manufacture paper to Xàtiva, which made the city known as an early European center of paper manufacture and education. After the Christian repopulation, the city became the cradle of one of the most powerful families of the Renaissance – the House of Borgia, which produced Popes like Callixtus III (Alfonso de Borgia) and Alexander VI (Rodrigo de Borgia). CASTLE OF XÀTIVA The city is best known for its unique castle which is located between two peaks. Thanks to its strategic location on the Sierra del Castell hill, this fortress has been the scene and spectator of a lot of battles. The castle forms the highest point of the defensive walls that once encircled early medieval Xàtiva. Despite its Iberian and Roman roots, most of the castle walls and towers preserved today are of Islamic or Gothic origin. More information: https://xativaturismo.com/en/xativa-castle/ In 2008 it was elected as one of the seven wonders of Valencia. It is one of the best experiences to immerse yourself in if you love sightseeing and rich history!