{"id":5181,"date":"2024-04-19T15:42:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T13:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vacalia.com\/blog\/?p=5181"},"modified":"2025-07-08T09:59:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T07:59:20","slug":"castell-de-guadalest-en","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vacalia.com\/blog\/en\/castell-de-guadalest-en\/","title":{"rendered":"Castell de Guadalest one of the most beautiful villages in Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This charming village is located close to other more touristic places such as Gand\u00eda<\/a>, Denia<\/a> or Benidorm. If you enjoy a holiday in this area, visiting Guadalest is a very interesting excursion to combine with days of sun and beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Situated on a huge rock in the highest part of the village, the origin of the castle of San Jos\u00e9 or castell de Guadalest dates back to the Hispano-Muslim period in the 11th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This building not only served as a defensive bastion, but also became a distinctive symbol of the area. For centuries, the Muslim population played a crucial role in the development and cultural configuration of Guadalest, until, in the 17th century, King Philip II decreed the expulsion of the Moors, which in turn had an impact on the uses and architecture of the fortification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1974, Castell was declared a Historic-Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest, which led to greater investment in the preservation of the town. In 1994, the municipal purchase of Casa Ordu\u00f1a was agreed and it was refurbished to be transformed into a Municipal Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2015, after passing a series of audits, the municipality became part of \u00abThe Most Beautiful Villages of Spain\u00bb and in 2016 it joined the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages in the World, making it one of the most visited towns in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you arrive by car in Guadalest there is no parking problem as there is a free public car park. It is a good place to start your visit to the most important places in the village due to its proximity to the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Access
Access to Castell de Guadalest<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

St Joseph’s Gate <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is the only access to the old wall of Guadalest, it is a tunnel excavated in the rock that displays the coat of arms of the town on its main fa\u00e7ade. Crossing this tunnel immediately shows us the atmosphere of the village and prepares us for the steep streets that we will find. Despite this, it is well worth the effort. Try to avoid the hottest hours of the day if you visit during the summer months to make the walk more bearable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Alcozaiba Fortress<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Also known as Alcazaba de Guadalest, it is a structure built by the Muslims in the 11th century, currently only a ruined tower remains standing. It formed part of the domains of the former House of Ordu\u00f1a, a Basque family who established themselves as the fortress’ commanders and governors of the marquisate for 300 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a small baroque temple from the 18th century. Although it has undergone significant alterations due to looting and even fires during the Civil War and later the removal of parts of its structure in 1962, these changes are part of its charm and history.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Streets
Streets of Guadalest<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The prison-cistern<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Built in the 12th century and located on the ground floor of the Town Hall, it is impressive for its small size despite being the site of trials and imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ordu\u00f1a House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It was built after the great earthquake of 1644 that devastated the region and destroyed the castle buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ordu\u00f1a family provided its members, not only with good economic relations or social influence, but also with the best cultural training that it was possible to acquire in the second half of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century. Among its members we find, fundamentally, lawyers and military men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The house has preserved its original furniture, decoration and paintings from the period. It also houses an exhibition space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Gregorio Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is where the Town Hall of Guadalest is located, as well as the medieval dungeons.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"San
San Gregorio square<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

But what stands out most is not the square itself, but the views of the Guadalest reservoir from the viewpoint of the square.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Views
Views of the Guadalest<\/em> reservoir<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Guadalest viewpoint<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the viewpoint overlooking the reservoir which is located in the Plaza de San Gregorio, if you continue a little beyond the square you will be able to contemplate the walls of Guadalest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town with the most museums per inhabitant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Guadalest is not only a charming village in the province of Alicante, but it also holds some interesting secrets. Did you know that it is the Spanish municipality with the highest density of museums per inhabitant? In addition to the Casa Ordu\u00f1a Museum, it has eight other equally fascinating and surprising museums, each with its own unique appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n