The capital
of the Alto Vinalopò is a town hardened by history. It was the capital of the
Seigneury and Dukedom of Villena, which comprised towns of five provinces. Its
Lord was the famous medieval novelist, Don Juan Manuel, nephew of Alfonso X the
Wise. It is an important crossroads between Castile, Murcia and Valencia, to
which it is the entry point and border. Its historic importance and the lateness
of its incorporation into the province of Alicante (1836) are outstanding
points in its cultural uniqueness. Being a plateau town facilitated both its
road connections and its dry farming which produces a famous wine.
Today it is
a modern town with a very large industry making children’s shoes and a growing
level of services for and commerce with neighbouring towns. The first sight in
Alicante province, coming from Madrid, is the imposing Atalaya castle. The
historic centre of Villena developed around the National Monument of the Church
of Santiano, next to which are the Casa de Cultura, the Fiesta House and
Museum, the Town Hall and the two main commercial arteries, Calle Corredera and
Calle Constitución. Dearly loved places in the ancient centre are the Church of
Santa Maria, an ancient Arab Mosque, the Plaza Mayor and the Palace of the
Mergelina family. The Plaza de las Malvas and the Theatre and Park dedicated to
Chapi, who was born here, are well worth a visit.
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