Municipality in Valencian Community, Spain
Photo: StellarD, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cocentaina is a town of 11,500 people (2018) in Alicante. It is known primarily for its textile industry, and tourists flock to experience its two festivals, both of them originating in the Middle Ages and declared 'Festivals of National Tourist Interest'.
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Palacio de los Condes / Palace of the Counts
A former fortress from the late 13th and early 14th centuries, built atop an earlier Muslim structure from the 12th century; it was altered in the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable architectural features include the Capilla de San Antonio Abad (Chapel of St. Anthony the Great) and the Sala Daurada, or Gilded Room. The building now houses the Museu Municipal (Museo Municipal), an art gallery with some valuable works including two Gothic altarpieces and a 15th-century Bible.
Castillo de Cocentaina / Cocentaina Castle
The Gothic watchtower overlooking the town was built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries atop possible earlier Iberian and Moorish remains; it has been restored. It is generally closed, but the Ajuntament (ayuntamiento / town hall) will lend out keys on request (ID required). There are two possible access routes: one from the south via a steep footpath which starts near the train station, and the other via car from the north, with the last 200 m by foot.
Casa-Museu del Comtat / Casa-Museo del Comtat
The 18th-century building is now home to the local archaeological and ethnological museum, which has on display some interesting archaeological artifacts found in the area.
Ermita de Santa Bárbara / St. Barbara Hermitage
The simple 13th-century chapel is of the so-called 'reconquista' style.
Castillo de Penella / Penella Castle
The ruined 13th-century fortress offers some great views of the area. The structure is also generally closed, but the town hall will lend out keys on request.
Moros y Cristianos / Moors and Christians
Cocentaina's Moors and Christians celebration has been declared a 'Festival of National Tourist Interest', and has been celebrated since the 15th century. Fourteen 'brotherhoods', six Christian and eight Moorish, take part in parades and mock battles in the historic centre.
Museo de Fiestas de Moros i Cristians / Moors and Christians Museum
A small museum devoted to the history of the popular festival.
Feria de Todos los Santos / All Saints' Day Fair
This enormous trade fair is the second longest-running fair in Spain and has been held annually since 1346, with a few interruptions for epidemics and war. It has been designated by the Spanish government as a 'Festival of National Tourist Interest'. In addition to typical trade fair exhibits of agricultural and construction machinery, large sections of the fair are devoted to arts and crafts as well as to local food products, including artisanal cheeses, sausages, wines, dried fruits, and olive oils. Additionally on some days there are equestrian competitions and demonstrations, games of raspall (a local variant of the traditional Valencian handball game pilota), and traditional dance performances. As this event attracts up to 500,000 people during the week, drivers should note that parking is limited to lots outside the town centre. It is best to arrive and leave early to avoid severe traffic congestion.
Parque Natural de la Sierra de Mariola
The mountain park offers good opportunities for hiking, with trail difficulty ranging from easy to difficult. The park can be accessed from Alcoy as well as Cocentaina, and has several sights of historic and natural interest. The park administration maintains an online list of nine hiking trails with maps and trail descriptions (in Spanish).
At 1,390 m this is the highest peak of the Serra Mariola range. The hiking trail to the top is most easily accessed from Cocentaina; a trail map and description (in Spanish) can be downloaded here.
Cava Arquejada
A 15th-century snow and ice cellar, which remained in use until 1906. A trail map and description (in Spanish) can be downloaded here.
Traditional cuisine in a rustic setting, with excellent views.
Operated by star chef Kiko Moya, the restaurant has two Michelin stars and focuses on creative Mediterranean cuisine using locally-sourced products.
The nonsmoking hotel has an onsite restaurant, free parking and Wi-Fi. Pets are permitted on request for no extra charge.
The hotel has nonsmoking rooms, an onsite restaurant, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
street market
A weekly street market for local produce and other goods.
By bus
Autocares Travicoi (+34 963 491 425) runs several buses daily, including on weekends, between Valencia and Alcoy.
By car
Cocentaina lies on the highway N-340 which connects to the A-7, running from Alicante to Alcoy and further on to Valencia.
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Alicante · International · ALC
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