Elche

The third most populous city in the autonomous region of Valencia, Elche is the home of the largest concentration of palm tree forests in Europe.

This unique phenomenon has been officially declared as part of the Heritage of Mankind (Patrimonio de la Humanidad).

However, Elche, doesn’t simply possess one of these distinctions; also declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO is an ancient liturgical tradition, Los Misteri, a series of artistic religious performances with spectacular special effects which have been conducted here in one form or another since the 13th century.

The roots of these ceremonies are anchored in legend, one that tells of the discovery of parchments bearing textual instructions and an image of the Virgin Mary and that were contained in an ancient arc found by chance in nearby coastal waters.

Elche’s claim to historical fame lies in the antiquity of its origins.

Remains of human habitation that date from Neolithic times have been discovered here. Perhaps the most famous discovery dates from the Bronze Age when the area was populated by the tribes that are now known as the Iberians.

The Dama de Elche, discovered nearby in 1897, is a small, exquisitely fashioned and preserved figurine whose enigmatic gaze has observed the changing times for over 6,000 years. She now resides in the Natural Archaeological Museum in Madrid although there are many copies of her to be found in the museums in Elche.

During the Roman period Elche (or Illice as it was known) enjoyed a privileged position in organism of Empire. Coins were minted here and its inclusion within a comprehensive network of communication ensured that it maintained a strategic dominance over neighbouring communities.

The Muslim invasion and subsequent occupation provided the city not only with several architectural treasures but also with an important irrigation network that enabled the surrounding countryside to blossom to life. Irrigation practices introduced in those far off days are still in use today.

1265 marked the end of Arabic rule when James I of Aragón ‘reconquered’ the territory in the name of Christianity. The city was incorporated definitively into the Kingdom of Valencia in 1304 and awarded with city status by Amadeo the Wise in 1871.

Elche is famous for its monuments, not only its natural ones but also the architectural ones. The blue domed Basilica of Santa María, which was built in the 17th century as a backdrop for the Misteri and the settings that have been created for the palm gardens. Most notable amongst these is the Huerto del Cura, the most spectacular of its type to be seen anywhere in the world.

Something for the taste buds

Elche’s diet is rich and succulent. Check out the Arroz con Costra which is a delicious concoction of rice mixed with rabbit, chicken, Spanish sausage and chick peas. Alternatively, you might be tempted by that Spanish favourite, meatballs in a rich tomato sauce (Albondigas de carne). Fish dishes include roast cod (bacalao asado con ñora). And, of course, this should be followed by some delicious dates or one of the numerous puddings made using this abundant local product.

More information: http://www.elche.es/