Ontinyent

The town of Ontinyent is about 82 kilometres from the city of Valencia. Its old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Its unique aesthetic is due to the contrast resulting from its stately 18th century mansions and the more modest Valencian buildings from the late 18th century and early 19th century.

The Vila Neighborhood is located on the high part of the city on the edge of the river. The remains of the walls, which are currently used as retaining walls, can still be seen in the area closest to the bank. To walk around it is to discover an enchanting urban setting: the architecture of the houses, the small inclined streets, the grated windows and balconies, the decorative ceramics…You can’t miss visiting the Iglesia de Santa María (Church of Saint Mary), with its 71 meter tall bell tower and its magnificent Renaissance portal. On the inside, the main features are the gothic domes and the Chapel of “La Purísima” where you will see sculptures and paintings by artists such as Ribalta or Mariano Benlliure. There are other places of interest. For example, the Palace of the Duchess of Almodóvar, the Convent of the Carmelites, The House of the Torrefiel Counts, the Pont Vell, the “Plaza Mayor” or  the cloister of the Franciscan Monastery, housing the Natural Science Museum, are a few of the essential places to visit. Apart from Ontinyent Archaeological Museum, there is a theme museum about the Moors and Christians Festival, held each August. Hiking is another option: there are trails starting at the town that reveal its rich natural surroundings.