Posts tagged with history

The Algar Waterfalls

A trip to the Algar Waterfalls is a very enjoyable day . The area is a famous beauty spot and an easy drive from Moraira, taking the N.332 to Altea, turning off to Callosa d·en Sarria and continue to the Waterfalls which are signposted.

Alternatively you can drive on the AP 7, turning off at the signpost to Callosa d·en Sarria.

During the visit, walk to the riverside and see the various pools and waterfalls. You can walk along the paths which commence by the riverside.

There is also an Environment Musuem (aromatherapy, in vitro fertilization of plants, exhibition of aromatic herbs, essences, etc.) Also visit the Avenue of the Aromatic Plants and the Water Musuem.

There is a First Aid Post, W.C., camping site with W.C. and showers. You can use the barbecue and cut firewood is included. Free parking near the camping area. For any further information telephone the Tourist Information office on 96 588 01 53

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Medieval Tower and Museum, Alcalali

The Medieval Tower in Alcalali is well worth a visit. To arrive in Alcalali from Moraira, drive through Teulada to the N332, turn left and drive through the town of Benissa. At the end of the town take the right fork, signposted Jalon, drive through Jalon and in about two miles you will arrive in Alcalali.

There is a good parking space at the crossroads to Parcent and Murla. Walk through the town until you reach the square where the church is situated and opposite the church is the tower. This is open every Thursday between 10.0 .m. and 12.0 mid-day, other days by arrangement. The cost to enter is €1.50.

The tower has a very interesting history. It was constructed in 1600 to protect the village from the frequent attacks by pirates and bandits. In 1992 the Town Hall of Alcalali acquired the Tower and completely restored it, the top floor being completely in glass with the most magnificent views of the Vall de Pop, the Coll de Rates, the villages of Parcent, Jalon and Lliber and the mountain Pop de Murla, where, incidentally the last battle in 1609 against the Moors and the Christians took place.

There is a commentary in various languages with pictures on a lap top. The museum is also very interesting with numerous artefacts, weapons, etc, There are various bars and cafes in the village, also a restaurant, called Marcel, which is on the right hand side when you leave the town and return towards Jalon. Here you can have a menu del dia with three courses and a drink, all for €8.00

There are many attractions along the the Costa Blanca and you can find links to other sources of information here.

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Moraira Castle

Moraira Castle

Until the beginning of the 19th century the Mediterranean Sea was renowned for piracy. The Berber pirates, also known as Ottoman corsairs, were pirates who, from North Africa, Tunisia, Tripoli, Algiers and the Port of Morocco, attacked shipping for their own profit.
The coast was extremely difficult to defend due to the gentle climate, and the many coves, islands and caves which provided excellent hiding places for the pirate ships.

Any attack on the coastal towns and villages could change the life of their inhabitants and turn anyone into a captive, with an unknown future for them.

The pirates would also take people hostage and this was very important for receiving ransoms for their release. The Berber pirates captured thousands of Christians, who were sold on slave markets in places such as Algeria and Morocco.

These slaves were women, childrern, young or old from the coastal villages, who had to survive in a world of cruelty.

In the 18th century there were also Christian corsairs, merchant sailors with a government Corsair licence in search of enemy ships they might capture. A famous Captain Antonio Barcelo fought against pirate ships on our coast and was promoted to General of the Navy in 1748, before the construction of the Moraira Castle which was built for defence and surveillance purposes.

The castle dominates the beach of El’Ampolla and was much needed to defend the coastline.

The walls are 10 meters high and are made of masonry work covered by stone ashlars, which were more resistant to artillery than the mortar previously used to build defence towers. The coastguard who defended the castle was stationed in Teulada on the Costa Blanca and was responsible, as well, for the surveillance at the Tower of El Cap d’Or and along the entire coast. You can see the castle today and it is in a very good preserved state. Info supplied by Teulada tourist info centre.

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