The historic centre of L'Atzúbia is characterised by traditional, low-rise houses with ceramic roof tiles. The layout of the streets has also remained unchanged since the Arab period. This historical continuity is therefore one of the distinctive features of the townscape. Those interested in the area's history can also find traces of it in the buildings and place names.
Cave and trails
The Cueva de Adsubia offers an 80-metre-long circuit with a difference in elevation of around 15 metres. The cave covers 600 square metres and features numerous, varied stalagmites and stalactites. A visit lasts 30 minutes and is suitable for all visitor groups. The cave visit is therefore a clearly defined natural attraction alongside the area's historic sites and routes.
The hiking routes described differ mainly in their starting points and views. The Pla d'Almiserà–Castell de Gallinera route begins in L'Atzúbia at the end of Carrer de la Font. Near Castell de Gallinera, it offers views across the whole of Vall de Gallinera. The Forna–Vilallonga route, by contrast, starts in Forna's village square. From the starting point, the panoramic view already reaches the former Castell de Vilallonga and extends across part of the Safor. The two options can therefore be distinguished by their starting points and the views specifically mentioned, without assuming a walking time or level of difficulty.
Another route description covers PR-CV 58 Variant III: it passes through the mountains of La Vall de Gallinera and L'Atzúbia before returning to L'Atzúbia. Those weighing up different types of trail can compare this mountain route with the two routes that specifically mention viewpoints.
History and architecture
L'Atzúbia was an Andalusi alquería, a Mudéjar settlement and a Morisco village. After the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609, the village was resettled by people from the island of Mallorca. The Font de la Plaça is one of the old town's most significant landmarks. The town grew out of a Muslim settlement, and the fountain's design recalls Moorish architectural styles.
The church of Sant Vicent Ferrer was built in the 18th century in the classical style of the time of Philip III and Philip IV. Its central nave has a barrel vault; Corinthian pilasters and Tuscan orders divide the side chapels. The description thus combines historical context with specific architectural details.
Forna: Buildings and everyday history
Forna is also part of the municipality of Adsubia. The church of Sant Bernat Abat dates from around the 16th century. The date 1886 on the portal refers to a renovation, not to when the church was built. Parts of the original decorative wall paintings, masonry and bell gable have been preserved. Castell de Forna is a fortified aristocratic palace dating from the 15th century, in the Valencian Gothic style of civil architecture.
The Llavador de Forna is below the level of the village square; steps lead to it from a passage at the back. The Llavador de l'Atzúbia washhouse had already been built by the beginning of the 20th century. It served local women both as a place of work and as a place to meet and socialise. Together, the two washhouses tell us about different aspects of everyday life: in Forna, its position relative to the village square is a practical landmark, while the social function of the washhouse in L'Atzúbia is what has been recorded.
Local traditions and festival dates
Culinary traditions include Arròs amb crosta: a rice dish baked in the oven with ribs and botifarra, topped with beaten eggs. L'Atzúbia shares the dish with a neighbouring village. In Adsubia, patron saint festivities honouring Sant Vicent Ferrer are held on the first weekend of September, alongside a Moros i Cristians festival. Check the specific dates for the year of your trip before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Monforte Del Cid, Granja De Rocamora, Muntanya de la Sella, Penàguila, Lliber, La Vall d'Ebo, Ontilles, Pego.
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
