In Novelda, modernist architecture and historical insights into domestic and urban history meet Baroque church architecture and a route through a protected natural area. Cultural sites and landscapes offer different focal points for planning a trip: on the one hand, there are houses, exhibitions and festivals; on the other, the Clots de la Sal, the Vinalopó River and an area for birdwatching.
Modernist houses and their history
The Casa Museo Modernista is considered an outstanding example of eclectic Modernist architecture in the province of Alicante. Its documented features include carved wood, glass, stucco, ceiling and wall paintings, marble and period furniture. The staircase and the courtyard surrounded by white marble columns are particularly noteworthy. The variety of materials and design elements gives the house a rich architectural character.
The Museo del Modernismo opened after the Casa Palacete Gómez-Tortosa was rehabilitated, restored and converted into a museum. It presents the history of Modernism in Novelda, the economic and social context of its development, and the history of the house. Inside, a tea room, dining room, kitchen and library have been reconstructed according to the original layout. Historic furniture belonging to the Gómez-Tortosa family complements these rooms. This shifts the focus from the architecture to the layout of the home and the history of the house.
Church, cultural venues and festivals
The Parroquia arciprestal de San Pedro Apóstol also tells the story of different construction phases: work began in 1553, and the church was remodelled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. This span of time offers a different perspective on the city’s history from that of the modernist houses.
The Sociedad Cultural Casino de Novelda building has two floors with large halls for games, social gatherings, exhibitions, conferences and piano concerts. The Museo Histórico-Artístico de la ciudad de Novelda includes a room for a permanent exhibition, a space for educational activities and temporary exhibitions, a specialist library and a laboratory. These institutions and spaces showcase different aspects of cultural life and museum work in Novelda.
The recurring festivals include the Moros y Cristianos. They have been designated a festival of regional tourist interest and have a history spanning more than fifty years. Celebrations take place from 19 to 25 July; check the programme for the relevant year when planning your trip. This makes it possible to combine a visit focused on the city’s history with a look at an important festival in the annual calendar.
Landscape and guided visits
The route through the Paraje Natural Municipal de Els Clots de la Sal i Serra de la Mola includes the Clots Roig and Negre, remains of the Acequia Mayor canal and a birdwatching area. There, visitors can discover the wildlife around the Vinalopó River. The landscape route offers a clear contrast with the museums and historic interiors: the focus here is on geological and water-engineering traces, as well as observing wildlife.
A guided walking activity organised by the Ayuntamiento de Novelda followed the section of local walking trail CV-127 that runs alongside the Vinalopó River in the natural area. The activity was announced in April 2024. A virtual 360-degree tour is also available for the Ermita de San Felip. It shows the burial crypt inside, which cannot be accessed during an in-person visit.
For school groups and cultural associations, the Museo Histórico-Artístico offers guided visits to the Museo Arqueológico, Castillo de La Mola and the old town by prior arrangement. Arrange your visit in advance. Tourist Info Novelda also organises guided city walks for groups when requested in advance; submit your enquiry before travelling. When planning, you can therefore decide whether a themed visit to specific sites or a walk around the city is a better fit for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Alcalalí, San Bartolomé, Daya Nueva, Callosa D'en Sarrià, Beneixama, La Encina, La Florida, Ontilles
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
