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Photo: Popezz, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Alcoy hosts the largest and possibly the most elaborate of the annual Moors and Christians festivals, listed as a festival of 'International Tourist Interest'. Celebrated since the early 16th century, it reenacts the Battle of Alcoy of 1276 during the Muslim insurrection against the Christian reconquista. According to legend, St. George appeared on a horse on the city walls during the battle and thereby turned the tide against the rebels, resulting in the death of the Moorish commander Al-Azraq.The celebration commences with a marching band parade on the evening of the 21st. The Día de las Entradas ('Day of Entrances') is devoted to parades, starting with the Christian parade in the morning and the Moorish parade in the late afternoon. The following day, Día de San Jorge ('St. George's Day') is more solemn, with a morning religious procession, high mass, and an evening parade. The battle takes place on the final day, the Día de Alardo ('Alardo's Day'), first with a verbal exchange between the Moorish and Christian ambassadors, and then with arquebuses (muskets), each side retaking in turn the castle in the Plaça d'Espanya. The appearance of St. George in the evening brings the battle to a close. A full schedule and parade route map is available for download from the tourist office.
The Moors and Christians of Alcoy is a popular festival which takes place in the city of Alcoy in the Spanish Province of Alicante, including the representation of a historic conflict between Muslims and Christians. The festival is held on 18-20 April each year, with Saint George being commemorated on 23 April.
Castillo de Barchell / Barchell Castle
A 12th-century castle of likely Muslim origin. It has a rectangular keep and a court with rainwater tank.
The 13th-century Gothic tower was once part of Alcoy's defensive network, and fully restored in 2002. Today it offers some excellent views of the city.
Iglesia arciprestal de Santa María / St. Mary's Church
A 20th-century reconstruction of a previous church destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. It is worth peeking inside to see the 15th-century Gothic painting by Jacomart tucked away in a side chapel, along with works by the late-Renaissance painter Cristóbal Llorens.
Ermita de San Antonio Abad / Hermitage of St. Anthony the Abbot
A complex of two conjoined buildings from the 14th and 18th centuries.
Plaza de Dins / De Dins Square
Formerly a monastic cloister, the neoclassical square was created in the mid-19th century.
Llonja de Sant Jordi
This venue for special exhibitions and cultural events was designed by Valencian star architect Santiago Calatrava and built between 1992-1995.