Sightseeing in the Orihuela Costa
The urban city of Orihuela Costa has several things to offer tourists which are as varied as the terrain of Spain. It has one of the largest areas in terms of size, second within the Valencian region. Much like the terrain in other parts of the Alicante province, the area has varied landscaping including mountainous areas and a coast line. Interested sightseers will enjoy more than just the terrain but also the colorful history and culture that the city is known for and proud of.
Although the country is known as a developed land of prosperity, much of the countryside is still proud of its traditional foundations. Religion has played a large part in the local city’s formation and has been referred to as the Episcopal City within the province. Records indicate that the earliest evidences of inhabitants residing in the area date as back as the latter part of 3000 B.C. Several centuries after, the history of the region was dictated by opposing forces of the Arabs and Christians. For several centuries beginning the 8th, it was a land inhabited by both races. During the 9th, it was taken by the Caliphate of Omeya. The city held great prestige as a vital base for the Islamic forces. During the latter part of the 13th century, the land was taken back by the Christians and has been under its influence and tutelage ever since.
The city is known for its well preserved architecture including churches, monasteries and palaces. A number of these ancient structures are considered a Cultural Heritage and as such are being protected as historic-artistic monuments. Being governed by Christian figures, several of these relics are religious in nature. These include the Santa Iglesia Catedral del Salvador, the Colegio de Santo Domingo, the Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina and Los Saladares. Besides churches and parishes, there are also a number of museums which have been built to preserve smaller pieces of relics.
There are a number of events where tourists can go and experience the local culture of the area. Some of these events date back to Christian and Arab conquests. These include the Fair of the Cattle where pure bred horses race with one another, a reenactment of the battle between the Moors and Christians and the Medieval Market of Orihuela Spain where participants dress up according to the times.
The city is a place where tourists can have fun regardless of the amount of available time, preference of budget. With this information, tourists and visitors can expect to have fun whenever they decide to visit the Orihuela Costa.
