In Cocentaina, historic buildings and paths offer different perspectives on the town: the Ruta de la Muralla follows the former line of the fortifications, while the Palau Comtal, churches and museums reveal further layers of history. The Serra de Mariola also provides a shared landscape with other towns. This lets you explore cultural history and nature as separate focuses for your days of discovery.

The route of the city walls

The Ruta de la Muralla de Cocentaina follows the former line of the fortifications. Along the route, there are nine information panels, signposted markers and indications of where the former city gates stood. Signage may be updated. The walk therefore draws attention not only to the wall itself, but also to the locations of the former gates.

Until the 18th century, the medieval city walls had an irregular quadrilateral shape and extended for more than one kilometre. To the east and south, the natural ravines Barranc del Sord and Barranc de Santa Bàrbara formed their boundaries. This historical description differs from the present-day route: it explains the walls’ former course, while the Ruta de la Muralla follows it and marks the locations of former gates.

Palaces and fortifications

The Palau Comtal permanently displays artworks from the 14th to the 19th century, as well as archaeological remains found in the palace. The first phase of construction may date to the late 13th or early 14th century. Here, you can discover both a cautiously dated building history and collections spanning several centuries.

Castillo de Cocentaina is a square, two-storey Gothic defensive tower dating from between the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The Castillo site lies 765 metres above sea level. From the access road, a path leads to a plateau at the foot of the tower; it can be reached via a path running along the slope. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out. Castillo de Penella offers another architectural comparison: it dates from the late 13th century and has a 15-metre-high main tower built onto the castle wall.

Churches, interiors and museums

Iglesia del Salvador was built in the late 16th century over a former mosque that had been converted to Christianity in 1530. Its single-nave layout follows Renaissance designs: it is divided into four sections with chapels. At Iglesia de Santa Maria, archaeological remains lie near the main façade; traces of an old cemetery can be found outside the side façade. The Convento de los Franciscanos also offers an architectural comparison: Renaissance and Baroque elements come together in its surviving interiors.

The Museo Arqueológico del Comtat is housed in a building dating from the mid-13th century. It was remodelled in the 15th century and completely renovated in the 18th century in the style of a bourgeois house. The ethnology room shows the traditional cultivation of wheat, olives and grapes, as well as the artisanal production of flour, oil and wine.

The Casa Museo Festero focuses on different subjects: festive attire, a monographic exhibition about Gustavo Pascual, composer of the pasodoble “Paquito el Chocolatero”, and edged weapons from around the world and various periods. Comparing the museums can help you choose: one combines the history of a historic house with agricultural traditions, while the other brings together festive attire, music history and weapons.

Landscape and routes

The Serra de Mariola Natural Park is shared by Cocentaina and other towns in the comarcas of l'Alcoià, El Comtat and Vall d'Albaida. For a short walk from town, Paraje de Santa Bàrbara is another option: the access is short and easy to find. A different way to get moving is the cycling route between Cocentaina and l'Alqueria d'Asnar. It first passes through l'Alcúdia de Cocentaina, a settlement belonging to Cocentaina, and then reaches l'Alqueria d'Asnar. As cycling conditions may change, check the route conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: San Isidro, Beniardá, L'Alguenya, La Nucia, San Juan De Alicante, Teulada, Castillo de Montemar, Bahía de Jávea.

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