Elche

Situated within the province of Alicante and the region of Bajo Vinalopó is the city of Elche.  Crossed by the Vinalopó River, it is one of the areas with the greatest number of archaeological remains in Spain.

The origins of Elche date back to the Neolithic, when settlement near the river was detected. In the 5th century B.C. "Ilici," an Iberian city from which the renowned Lady of Elche originates, an icon of Spanish archaeology, was founded. Around the 3rd century B.C., Roman legions conquered the Iberian village, giving it the name Colonia Iulia Ilici Augusta. Elche became a port of great significance at that time.

Elche received the title of episcopal see in the Visigothic era. With the Muslim arrival, the city was established in the area known as the Vila Murada, developing fertile irrigated fields. Alfonso X took the city in 1250 and in 1305 Elche became part of the Kingdom of Valencia after disputes between Aragon and Castile. The following centuries were truly tense, with various Moorish rebellions, peasant protests against monarchy policies, or pirate attacks.

From this period, several buildings of great patrimonial value have prevailed to the present day. Notable among them are the Altamira Castle-Palace and the Church of San Juan. Moreover, there are several museums located within the city: the Festa Museum, the Archaeological Museum, or the Pusol School Museum of Traditional Culture.

Elche is also known for the so-called Mystery of Elche, a religious festivity declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Additionally, the city of Elche boasts a series of truly stunning beaches. Worth mentioning are the beach of Carabassí or the beach of Arenales del Sol. Natural and recreational spaces ideal for any audience.