All About Novelda, Costa Blanca South
Novelda is a municipality located in the province of Alicante, in the region of Medio Vinalopó. referred to as ‘The Grapes Valley’. This area is famous for its grapes and wine production.
Novelda is also known as “The City of Saffron.” Throughout history, this spice has been a major export for the city
Marble also plays an important part in this area, manufacturing and processing of marble is the main industrial activity in the city, some of most important marble and lime mines are located here, clay, gypsum and silica mines are also found in this area. That is why it is also known as the Marble World Centre all over the globe.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA NORTH
All about Novelda
THINGS TO SEE IN NOVELDA
The top attractions to visit in Novelda are: Santuario Santa Magdalena, Casa Museo Modernista, Castillo de la Mola, Iglesia Arciprestal de San Pedro Apostol.
Santuario Santa Magdalena
Situated 3 km from Novelda, on the hill of La Mola, next to the Almohade fortress
This is a magical religious building which was designed by José Sala Sala, and was obviously heavily influenced by Antonio Gaudí as this building does bear a resemblance to the Roman Catholic minor basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Construction started in 1918 and required three phases to finish the work in 1946.
On the main facade stand two side towers of 25m high culminated by a stone cross, which is also located in the dome and on the upper arches of the facade, pebbles from the Vinalopó River, polychrome tiles, bricks, reddish masonry, ceramics, etc, have all be used on the exterior of the building, giving it a unique look.
The interior consists of a rectangular central nave with two side spaces tied, that is, an original base shaped like an ointment vessel, (a vessel with which according to the Christian tradition Mary Magdalene anointed the feet of Jesus Christ). In the background, in the apse, is the chamber of Saint Mary Magdalene, behind the altar there is a beautiful painting attributed to Gastón Castelló.
Opening hours *please note these hours may be different during Covid19 restrictions
From 1 October to 30 April: EVERY DAY from 10 to 14 h and from 16 to 19 h.
From 1 May to 30 September: EVERY DAY from 10 to 14 h and from 17 to 20 h. August, Closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday. Open Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10:00 to 13:00 h. and from 18:00 to 20:00 h.
Castillo de la Mola
It is a symbol of the city and was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1931.
The castle of La Mola stands next to the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena it was built at the end of the 12 century and is of Islamic origin, the design. It is a polygonal enclosure with thick walls built with eight quadrangular cubes of which only four now remain. The ruins of the wall are preserved.
A square tower is also still standing, windowless. Inside there is a stone staircase. The most prominent element of the fortress is the triangular tower, located at the bottom of the courtyard of arms, constructed after castle dating from the first half of the fourteenth century. This tower is one of the first examples of a Valencian-style civic-military building in the Valencian Community. It is known as Tower of the Three Peaks, and is the only one of its kind in Europe.
Opening hours - Monday closed. Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 14h and from 17 to 19h. Sundays from 11 to 14h and from 17 to 19h.
Take a walk in the valley facing the castle there are several natural salt pools, these are only quite small but worth a visit whilst in the area. The locals use them for the medicinal properties due to the high salt and iron content, especially in the slightly redder pools.
All about Novelda
Being in the "Grape Vally, a visit to a bodega should be on your list of things to do.
Bodega Casa Cesilia
The Casa Cesilia farmhouse sits outside the town of Novelda it is located in a “congost” or gorge, a short distance from the hill of “La Mola”, a mountain and home of the shrine of Saint Mary Magdalene and the castle of La Mola (La Muela). The winery where Casa Cesilia wines are currently produced dates back to 1707 and was built by the Marquis of Romana.
You can visit and experience an unforgettable wine tasting - Guided tour, tasting times - Every day at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. cost 6€pp you can also add a brunch to this and enjoy some tapas along with the wine tasting. Tasting times: Every day at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m 10€ Reservation is required Tel: + 34 965 603 763
All about Novelda
Casa Museo Modernista
This is considered to be an excellent example of eclectic-modernist architecture. this building was built in 1901, designed by the architect D. Pedro Cerdán Martínez. It is located at Calle Mayor, number 24 and is one of the best preserved houses in which proper modernist decoration can be found.
The building was used as a family residence until 1936. During the Spanish Civil War it housed the barracks of the Italian command. In the post-war period it was used a school, in 1975 it was acquired by the Novelda Savings Fund and in 1977 turned into a museum which is now owned by the Caja Mediterráneo Foundation.
The building is also known as Casa Navarro or Casa de la Pichocha and houses a museum of modernist furniture and objects. The house consists of three floors and the decor is spectacular, inside you will find lots of carved wood, crystals, stucos, paintings of ceilings and murals, marbles, period furniture, etc., standing out for its unique beauty the staircase and the patio surrounded by white marble columns a unique modernist staircase and an interior courtyard with columns.
Open - Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2pm
Iglesia Arciprestal de San Pedro Apostol (St Peters Church)
Saint Peter the apostle is the patron saint of Novelda.
Located more or less in the centre of the town in Calle Mayor (Main Street), next to the Modernist Museum and just around the corner from the Town Hall and the Plaza de Espana.
Construction began in 1553, but it was not until the 18th century that it ended up in what it looks like today, the main characteristic is the huge central dome in the church. Inside you will find many fantastic decorative paintings and sculptures and a 17th century organ.
Plaza de España
know as Plaza del Ayuntamiento but known locally as the "plaza vieja" town hall was built in 1696, to one side is the parish of St. Peter (built between the XVI and XVIII centuries).
In the square's center stands a statue of one of the city's favorite sons Jorge Juan and Santacilia, mariner, mathematician and one of Spain's most complete scientists (XVIII century).
Parque del Oeste (West Park)
At the edge of the town, is the Parque del Oeste (West Park) or Parc Dels Dolors. Even here the influence of Antoni Gaudi is recognizable by the wide usage of the mosaics called "trencadis". Take a nice walk in the park among palms, stone sculptures and fountains. There is even an open air theatre that seats up to 2000.
How to get to Novelda from Benidorm
By Car - The easiest option is to drive, Novelda is about 72km from Benidorm the drive would take around 50 minutes. Need to hire a car
Bus - There is not direct bus to Novelda from Benidorm, you would have to take the ALSA bus or tram to Alicante and then onto Novelda, journey time aprox 2.5 hours
Train - Tram from Benidorm to Alicante Luceros, catch the bus or taxi to Plaza de los Luceros (8) to Pintor Lorenzo Casanova (22) to Novelda. journey time around 2 hours 45 minutes.
Taxi - between 85 and 110€ each way.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
