Guadalest is considered one of the most beautiful towns of Spain. If you plan to spend a few days on vacation in Alicante, we recommend that you do not miss the opportunity to go and see it. In this article, we will detail the most striking constructions of this wonderful place and tell you about the scenic reservoir that tourists photograph so much when they arrive at the high part of the town.
Buildings to Explore in Castell de Guadalest
If you think that Alicante is just beach, you are mistaken. This inland town very close to Benidorm offers you mountain landscapes full of magic and gives you the possibility of hiking routes that are located all around its famous reservoir.
Castell de Guadalest was declared a Historical/Artistic Complex in 1974 and, later, a Cultural Interest Asset. Although it is a small municipality, it is full of charming buildings that you will surely remember for a long time to come and streets that offer a beautiful medieval atmosphere.
The striking and original entrance to the center of the town is characterized by a tunnel that crosses the mountain rock atop which the castle was built and through which you must pass to access the tourist area. As you go through the tunnel, you will feel that you are entering the sixteenth or seventeenth century and, just as you exit, you will find the Orduña House.
The town is full of small craft shops, museums, and restaurants that adorn every street, but we will focus on the most interesting buildings so that you do not miss them when you go to this village of Alicante. We recommend that you wear sports shoes in order to be comfortable because the streets are cobbled.
San José Castle
This fortress from the eleventh century was created by the Muslims and is located atop a large rock in the highest part of the town. Many tourists go up to contemplate the impressive views from any of its lookout points or from the castle’s highest tower.
The castle is not in perfect state because most of it was destroyed by two earthquakes that took place in 1644 and 1748. However, it is still visited every day by hundreds of people who want to immerse themselves in the history of Spain.
Alcozaiba Castle
This castle is located atop the most vertical part of the rocky cliffs in the town and within the domain of Orduña House. It was also built by the Muslims in the eleventh century and it was affected by the aforementioned earthquakes, but it has been restored so that you can see the tower in all its splendor.
Orduña House
The Orduña family, known for being the wardens of the town’s fortress and the governors of the Marquisate for three centuries, built the Orduña House after the great earthquake of 1644 that devastated the region and ruined the castle.
In this house, you can visit the rooms, where you can find the original furniture and decoration of the time. Different exhibitions are also put on at this complex, and you can access the visit of the San José Castle from the house as well.
This house museum is one of the eight museums available in the municipality, whose names are the Nativity Scene and Dollhouse Museum, the Medieval History Museum, the Museum of Micro-Miniatures, the Micro-Giant Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum, the Ethnological Museum, and the Historical Vehicle Collection Museum.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church
It was built in the eighteenth century and is Baroque in style. It is located in the old part of town, next to the Orduña House. It was constructed over the primitive temple that was there during the times of the Reconquest. The temple was burned and looted during the Civil War.
Fortunately, in 1962 the church was remodeled. The architects took the opportunity to shorten its length and modify its floor plan, making the crossing and the dome disappear. Between 1995 and 1996 the aim of saving the building was fulfilled and reaffirmation and interior decoration work was undertaken.
Twelfth-Century Prison
Below the town hall you can find an old prison featuring twelfth-century dungeons. The town hall is located right in the central square and we recommend that you take your time to enjoy the wonderful views that the area has. You can visit this historic (and grim) place and have the chance to delve into the darker side of the town’s history.
In conclusion, Guadalest is the perfect place to get away from Alicante’s maritime tourist sites and enjoy nature and unforgettable landscapes without having to travel long distances. If you like walking and hiking, in addition to visiting the town, you can take a circular route to visit the Guadalest Reservoir. Take a backpack and something to eat and get to know this area with your family or your partner.