What to see in Villena
Villena, capital of the Alto Vinalopó about 102 km from Valencia, counts 34,712 residents in the province's second largest district, at 345.6 km2. The 12th-century Arab Atalaya castle, with Almohad vaults, presides over a town that was a lordship and marquisate until granted city title in 1525.
The archaeology museum held the 1963 Treasure, with 10 kilos of gold and 600 grams of silver. The Santiago church, 14th century with twisted columns, and Santa María, 16th century over the mosque, serve the old town, and the Chapí Theatre (1914-1925) honours the composer. Gachamiga, fondillón and cantueso mark the table.
The town keeps its district-capital pulse, with Calle Corredera as the centre's axis. Castle, museum and the old town's two parishes are visited one after the other on foot, and the Chapí Theatre asks for a look at the listings to round off the day with a show. In 1833, the provincial division brought Villena into Alicante from the Kingdom of Murcia.
What to see in Villena
- Castillo de la AtalayaCastle~200 m from the Town Hall
12th-century Arab castle with Almohad vaults among the oldest preserved, on the town hill.
- Teatro ChapíCool venue~300 m from the Town Hall
Theatre built between 1914 and 1925, dedicated to the composer Ruperto Chapí.
- Museo Arqueológico José María SolerMuseum~250 m from the Town Hall
Museum holding the Villena Treasure: almost 10 kilos of gold and about 600 grams of silver from the Bronze Age, found in 1963.
- Iglesia de Santa María (Villena)Church~200 m from the Town Hall
16th-century church over a former mosque, with a Baroque portal in the old town by the castle slope.
- Iglesia arciprestal de SantiagoChurch~50 m from the Town Hall
Gothic-Renaissance church from the 14th century with twisted columns among the oldest of the style, old-town parish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Villena Treasure?
Bronze Age goldsmith work with 10 kilos of gold, found in 1963.
What to eat in Villena?
Gachamiga, fondillón wine and cantueso liqueur.
What to see in Villena?
The castle, the museum, Santiago, Santa María and the Chapí Theatre.
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