Almoradi Costa Blanca
Guide to Almoradi Costa Blanca, an inland town near to Rojales.
Costa Blanca Towns - Almoradi
Just to the north of the Segura lies the town of Almoradí. Mention shoes and you think of Elche mention home furnishings and Almoradí is the place to visit, in fact some hoardings advertise it as the Cuidad de Muebles, the furniture town.
Figures from the last census gave the population of Almoradí as 17,033 and it is a new town having been rebuilt following the earthquake of 21st March, 1829 when the original town was totally destroyed. The church of San Andres (St. Andrew) also had to be rebuilt but it well worth a visit not least because it houses the ‘Magnificent Historical Organ’ which has its’ own story.
Recovered from the rubble of the earthquake it was internally intact but parts of the outside box had to be renewed. Money had to be raised for this project and such was the importance of the organ and the church that help was given by the Spanish Queen, Isabel II. This year the town council is for the first time holding concerts in the church so that this beautiful organ can be seen and heard. The concerts start in March and are to be held every month through to December. More information can be obtained from the Ayuntamiento in Almoradí.
Naturally, following the earthquake all new buildings had to be built to specifications that would minimise any effects of future natural disasters and of these new buildings the church of San Andres is a wonderful example of the care and attention put in to the rebuilding. This church is one of many with interesting architectural features with a figure of Christ very similar to the figure overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Legend has it that the church is dedicated to San Andres because on the night before a great battle King Jaime I the Conqueror saw a vision of a mosque with a great golden dome and it was the symbol of San Andres. He ordered that San Andres should be the patron saint of Almoradí and that his feast day should be 30th November. He then ordered an assault on the walls of the city and reclaimed Almoradí.
The elegant Casino was built about 120 years ago and although it has been refurbished many times it retains the aura of a palace type building; the home of grand balls, concerts and conferences. Apart from the impressive architecture the Theatre Cortes (El Teatro Cortes) is one of only two permanent theatres in the Vega Baja and stages plays of national standing.
The Hoya Serrano is located on the road leaving Almoradi travelling towards Benijofar and Algorfa. At the roundabout take a small road leading to the Hoya Serrano, a beautiful area for families to picnic and to enjoy the open space provided, but we are advised that it is at its best after late April.
The hospital which was originally built in 1929 for the Carmelite nuns has had many uses since its inauguration. It was a school during the time of the Civil War then it became once again a military hospital. After the war it reverted back to a school and then a library, it is now the court rooms but whatever its uses the lovely building remains and is worth a visit.
On the side of the town square there is the Ayuntamiento another impressive building and, if after seeing some of these wonderful buildings you need refreshment there are numerous bars and restaurants on the opposite side of the square and throughout Almoradí.
Just twenty minutes from the Costa Blanca coast Almoradí has a wealth of shops and services which are a joy for window shopping and as in many of these towns and villages if you look hard enough there is always the unexpected treasure, a shop hidden away which sells almost everything and in which it is easy to while away an hour or so. The street market is held on Saturday mornings and is one of the larger markets in the area.
Although famed for manufacturing furniture Almoradí is widely recognised for the services it offers. A Water Tribunal is held here to settle any arguments or disputes over water irrigation. This tribunal is an institution of historic importance and any fines levied by the tribunal are not imposed in euros or pesetas but in Vellón reals which are ancient Spanish coins.
Whilst the town has an air of bustle and commerce it also has the quieter areas along the tree lined streets where one gets the opportunity to meet the locals who are extremely friendly, nothing is too much trouble for them, indeed they love to be able to help. In the evening the atmosphere whilst still busy is one of suppressed excitement.
Almoradí is a mixture of cultures, people, historical customs and is undergoing a programme of continuous expansion; whilst still looking back to its past it is also looking forward to embrace new horizons.
Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper
Almoradi Links: Almoradi Main Page - Almoradi Map - Almoradi Weather - Almoradi Spain
Nearby Places: Benijofar - Guardamar del Segura - Algorfa - Rojales - La Mata - Daya Nueva - La Marina - Catral -San Fulgencio - Ciudad Quesada
Golf Courses: Villamartin - Lo Romera - Las Ramblas - Campoamor Golf - La Finca - La Marquesa - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Torrevieja - Alicante - Valencia - Murcia - Orihuela - Elche - Orihuela Costa - Quesada - Alicante Weather - Alicante Airport Transfers - Builders
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