Ontinyent
Guide to Ontinyent, a town on the Costa Blanca, Spain.
Costa Blanca Towns - Ontinyent
Located to the north-west of Alcoy and Cocentaina, the historical city of Ontinyent is situated beside the River Clariano on the western side of the Albaida Valley. With its population of 36,368 (2006), Ontinyent has two distinct areas, the old (formerly walled) town and the modern industrial suburbs. The old town ‘La Vila’ still retains much of its old world charm, with narrow winding streets lined with ancient houses.
There are still some remains of the ancient ramparts which surrounded the town in the 13th century, at a time when Moors and Christians battled for mastery of the region and the gothic church of Santa Maria, which also dates from the 13th century, witnessed the arrival of Jaime I of Aragon who entered to hear mass after his forces had regained control of the town from the Arab invaders in 1244, the imposing tower of the church is the highest in Valencia at 71 metres. The towns history however goes back much further as there have been archaeological finds dating from Roman times and a Roman cemetery was found just 2 kilometres south of the old town, remains from the Visigothic occupation have also been found. Ontinyent was granted the title of ‘City’ in 1904.
Ontinyent grew around the textile industry, which has been its main source of income since the Middle Ages, the industry developed due to the abundance of water which propelled the numerous water mills still found in the area. Other industries in Ontinyent include furniture, earthenware, paper, brandy and wine, there has been a rapid increase in population over the last 50 years and almost half of it is employed in the various textiles industries.
As with many Spanish towns, the most important fiesta in Ontinyent is the spectacular Moors and Christians festival which is held in August, other significant festivals include the fiesta of Sant Antoni (January), the Fallas (March), the Fira (November) and the Purisma (December).
Places of interest to visit in Ontinyent include the aforementioned church of Santa Maria, originally from the 13th century, the Plaza Mayor (Town Square), where you will find many old buildings including the old town hall, the Casa del Consell, dating from the 16th century, the Almodi (16th century), the Comtes de Torrefeil Palace (15th -17th centuries) and Els Porxets (the Porticoes) from the 16th century.
Ontinyent is within the district of Vall d’Albaida in the province of Valencia and is situated on the CV-81, north-west of Cocentaina, it is located centrally between Alicante and Valencia and is about 85 kilometres from both cities.
Ontinyent Weather - Ontinyent enjoys a fine Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine and low rainfall, the town generally experiences long hot summers and mild winters, most of the rain which does fall occurs during the winter months.
Ontinyent Links: Ontinyent Map - Ontinyent Weather
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Nearby Places: Jijona - Ibi - Alcalali - Benidorm - Calpe - Altea - Albir - Javea - Guadalest - Villajoyosa - Alcoi - Busot - El Campello - Finestrat
Attractions: Gallinera Valley - Penon de Ifach - Algar Waterfalls - Caves of Canelobre - Fuentes de Algar
Golf Courses: Oliva Nova Golf - Ifach Golf Club - Real Faula Golf - Spain Golf
Related: Murcia - Alicante Weather - Alicante Transfers - Spain - Builders
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