If you are visiting Alicante in Spain, your most preferred destination of visit should be Elche. It is just about 30 minutes drive from Alicante. This small town of Elche was under the rule of Moors and also Romans before being taken by the Christian kings. Surrounded by vast greenery, this beautiful city Elche attracts a large number of tourists from far and wide.

Palm Grove:

The greatest asset of Elche is the Palm Grove. This small town is proud of being labeled as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has the largest area under palm cultivation. Date palm is largely cultivated here. According to an estimation made recently, about 200,000 palm trees are grown in Elche. The most popular variety of palm grown here is the Imperial palm which has seven branches. The most popular Priest’s Garden has this variety of tree which is believed to have been named after Elisabeth who was the Empress Consort in Franz Joseph’s kingdom. Another popular palm grove is the Elche Palm. It is the most ideal place to learn about the Palm trees, their cultivation method, different varieties of palm, uses of palm trees, etc. On Palm Sunday which is an annual festival of Elche, the leaves of different varieties of Palm trees are taken in a procession. Historians say that this procession can be traced to the middle ages.

Basilica Santa Maria:

This is yet another very important place of visit in Elche. Actually the present building which has the most beautiful works of art and artifacts and has a combination of architecture in neoclassical, Italian and Valencian styles was built in the year 1672. According to archaeologists, the present structure of Basilica is built on a church which was devastated due to heavy rainstorm. The old church which collapsed due to rain had been built on a mosque and that was in the year 1784. The present structure is undoubtedly a masterly work by the architects. Annual festival called the Mystery Play is held on the 14th and 15th of August every year.

Museum:

This small town is also rich in museums. If you are interested in knowing more about Elche Mystery Play, visit the City Archeological Museum and the Municipal Festa Museum. They give you complete details of this play. If you are interested in the traditional agricultural techniques being followed, then visit Pucol Agricultural Museum and the Paleontological Museum or the Museum of Contemporary arts. Arab baths are also displayed here.

Read About Ferienhaus Spanien and also read about Costa Brava and Costa Maresme

and Also Read About

Spain Villa on Thearticledude & Villa in Spain Kirtsy

To add a comment please login by clicking here