Monforte del Cid: History, Trails and Festivals

Culture and History

The Arco de la Morería once marked the entrance to the Muslim Morería of Monforte del Cid and separated the Christian area from the Muslim one. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is protected as a cultural asset of particular interest. It was built between 1510 and 1517 and extensively altered, especially in the 18th century. Jorge Juan y Santacilia was baptised in this church on 9 January 1713.

The IBERO, Museo de Historia de la Villa de Monforte del Cid, presents the archaeological, historical and cultural development of the town. Its collections cover the settlement of the surrounding area by Neolithic cultures, Bronze Age cultures, the Iberians of Contestania and the Romans. The holdings include Iberian objects and sculptures. Significant finds from the necropolis at Camino del Río include two zoomorphic, resting bull figures. They are thought to have belonged to a funerary monument erected around 500 BC.

Trails and Landscape

The Sendero de San Pascual, designated as PR-CV 179 and PR-CV 179.1, runs between the Santuario de Orito and the Sierra de las Águilas. The Sendero del Cid, PR-CV 342, connects the town centre of Monforte del Cid via Orito with the Sierra del Cid. The Camino de San Pascual, SL-CV 126, runs between the Vinalopó River and the Cueva de San Pascual.

The Cueva de San Pascual is located on the Sierra de San Pascual and can be reached on foot via the traditional path or by car via the access road. From there, it offers extensive views across the interior of the valley and the coast of Alicante province. The Camino de Santiago passes through Monforte del Cid and is known here as the Camino de Levante. The different starting and end points of the trails provide a clear basis for personal planning, comparing the town centre, river landscape, sanctuaries and mountain ranges.

Other Places

Muro De Alcoy, Elda, Torrevieja, Beniardá, Granja De Rocamora, Santa Clara, Tàrbena and Lorcha

Festivals and Events

The Romería de San Pascual has been celebrated in Monforte del Cid on 17 May since 1637. During the festival days, the Centro de Interpretación de Orito at Plaza del Convento can be visited free of charge. It provides information about Monforte del Cid as well as the Romería and Feria de San Pascual.

The Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos have the status of a festival of provincial tourist interest in the Valencian Community. This status was granted by a resolution dated 15 January 2009. The Feria Ibero Romana includes a traditional market with stalls selling handicrafts and food. The event also features children's workshops, a camp, historical reenactments, a tapas route, concerts and theatre performances.

Local Flavours and Golf

Drinks in Monforte del Cid include the anise-based mixed drinks Paloma and Canario. The Uva de mesa del Vinalopó is described in Monforte del Cid as a sweet speciality or local product.

Alenda Golf comprises a 49-hectare golf course measuring 6,257 metres in length, a practice area and 18 holes. The course was completed in October 1999. A golf course in Monforte del Cid has international dimensions, five teeing areas per hole, 18 holes and five lakes. Its design follows the valley's natural terrain features.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.