Centred around a magnificent Moorish castle, Villena is a historic city in Spain’s Valencian Community. It’s famed for its annual Moors and Christians Festival, which has been held since 1474 in honour of the Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, who freed Villena’s residents from the plague.
Things to do in Villena
Dominating Villena’s cityscape is the Castillo de la Atalaya, a fortress-like complex that once commanded the frontier between the Kingdom of Castile and the Kingdom of Aragon. Built by the Almohad Empire as a refuge for Villena’s Muslim population, it was conquered by James I in 1240. Join a guided tour to learn about the castle’s role in the Revolt of the Brotherhood and the Wars of Succession while keeping an eye out for the artillery impacts that are still visible today.
For insight into the religious festivities of Villena’s Christian and Muslim residents, pay a visit to the Museu Festero. It occupies the former palace of the Selva-Mergelina family, with the building’s Nolla ceramic floors particularly noteworthy. In addition to traditional costumes and festival artefacts, it also preserves original musical scores.
Villena is the birthplace of one of Spain’s most famous animalistic sculptors, Antonio Navarro Santafé, whose life and work is celebrated at the Museo Escultor Navarro Santafé. It occupies the ground floor of his former studio and features many of his most famous pieces. In addition to designing the museum, Santafé is also responsible for the Monument to Ruperto Chapí in front of Villena’s Chapí Theatre.
Getting around Villena
Villena is around 45 minutes’ drive from Alicante and Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Valencia is 1.5 hours away. Regular trains connect to the Villena railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.