Redovan
Interesting article about Redovan, a village on the Costa Blanca, Spain.
Redovan - Costa Blanca - Spain
Redovan is located on a sparsely vegetated plain at the foot of the Sierra Segura, just 7km from Orihuela, it is one of the Vega Baja towns of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Although the town was founded by the Moors there is evidence of much earlier settlements going back to pre-historic times. The town is well known for its ceramics and this tradition seemingly stretches back to the 3rd century BC from when samples of ceramic work have been found with a distinctive zig-zag pattern.
There appear to have been settlements on small elevations of land in the surrounding areas from the Neolithic Era up until Bronze Age. In the 2nd century BC there seem to have been several different cultures in the region, among them “the culture of Argar” more commonly found in Almeria.
The area has attracted settlers mostly because of its importance in agriculture due largely to the basin being irrigated by the Segura river, though there were problems as the area is much prone to flooding.
Redovan’s early history is dominated by the Arabs and there is little doubt that the name is derived from Arabic despite there being some confusion as to the actual origin of the name. Some say that name derives from a general of the Moorish King of Granada named Farax Ben Redvan (or Reduan) who invaded and plundered the town in 1331. Others refer to the “Book of Distributions” in Orihuela which mentions the name “Aben-Redvan” (“of the children of Reduan”) relating to a time earlier than 1331. A 16th century historian attributes the name to the family of Redouanes (of Moroccan origin) who were Moorish noblemen of Granada.
Redovan and the whole area suffered a great pestilence in 1347 and this lasted until 1351 this ravaged the agriculture of the area and many of its inhabitants moved to the city of Orihuela. During this time the town was regularly plundered by bandits and renegades The plague hit again in 1374 and in 1383. Redovan and its population were also greatly affected by the constant wars between the Kingdoms of Aragon and Valencia.
During the 17th century Redovan enjoyed a period of great wealth and prosperity due to successes in agriculture, important crops at the time being grapes, olives, wheat, vegetables and the mulberry (silk became an important product of the town).
Redovan was seriously damaged by the great earthquake of 1829 and there was much loss of life. In 1847 Redovan had 160 houses and 1,591 inhabitants its industry consisted of “5 mills and some looms”.
Modern Redovan is a busy town of around 5,600 people, it is noted for the production of cotton, hemp, espadrilles and the previously mentioned ceramics. During the latter part of September there is an exhibition of hemp products in the town dedicated to Saint Michael.
Just north of Redovan is the village of Cox, originally a Moorish farmstead. Of interest in Cox is the 15th century fortified palace built on a ridge, and the nearby hermitage. Cox is also popular with potholers as there are many caves in the area suitable for this pursuit.
Redovan has a good number of bars, restaurants and shops, centred around its town square where many celebrations and festivities take place.
Redovan is easily accessible via the N-340 and the A-7 motorway, it is approximately 52 km from Alicante and its airport.
Redovan Links: Redovan Map
Redovan Property: Advertise your Redovan property on this page: advertise here.
Nearby Places: Bigastro - Benejuzar - Rafal - Benferri - Catral - San Bartolome - Dolores - Callosa de Segura - Crevillente
Golf Courses: Villamartin - Lo Romera - Las Ramblas - Campoamor Golf - La Finca - La Marquesa - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Torrevieja - Valencia - Murcia - Elche - Orihuela Costa - Ciudad Quesada - Alicante Weather - Alicante Airport Transfers - Builders
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