Villena

Villena is a monumental city, and the capital of the region. The castle of Atalaya constitutes the thresholds of Castilian walled cities.

In fact, the ducal village did not officially become part of the province of Alicante until the second half of the 19th century. The keep, from where we can see a wide panoramic view of the village and its surroundings, sits on an Almohad vault with intertwining arches. The historic centre of the city formed around the castle. When we descend from the castle, we find two beautiful Gothic churches among the narrow streets and white houses that make up the historic quarter: the archpriestal church of Santiago, from the 15th century, and the church of Santa María, from the 16th century. In the building that houses the City Hall, we must visit the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, were we can admire the beauty of the precious metalwork that makes us the famous Treasure of Villena, from the Late Bronze Age. In the outskirts of the city, the Gothic sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Virtudes, and the nature park of Las Salinas, provide the perfect setting for the enjoyment of a beautiful natural setting.