Bocairent

The Muslims called the city Bekirén, because of the dominant architectural style in the town which used the form of beehives. Today Bocairent  continues to project a peculiar image, its streets are seeped in centuries of history, the inhabitants have a commendable respect for their traditions and it is located in an enviable environment, with the Sierra Mariola as its principal neighbour.

 Bocairent (me, Ana, Marcel)

A sculpture welcomes visitors to the locality, an image of a man with a blanket over his shoulders, a tradition still held by the people of Bekirén. Steep slopes, abundant vegetation, and the sources of two rivers, the Vinalopó and the Clariano, have marked the structure of the towns’ nucleus, which has been moulded respecting the natural environment. Many of the houses and some of its monuments, even modern ones, are excavated from the surrounding rock.

Bocairent is packed with history.  Walk through the old town with its narrow cobbled streets, small squares and fountains and get a feel for what it was like hundreds of years ago. Guided tours are available.

The unique bullring carved into the rock is the oldest in Valencia, dating back to 1843. There are two museums, the Archaeological Museum which has pieces from the Sarsa Cave, one of the most important Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean and the Moor and Christian Museum which gives you an insight into their history.

Bocairent

Visit the Covetes Dels Moros, a group of caves made up of around 50 rooms with holes like windows thought to have been formed around the 10th or 11th century. The original use of the caves is uncertain though there are various interpretations from granary stores to funeral chambers.

Enter the underground gallery of the The Cava De Sant Blai, a cave used as a snow store, where you can discover its history from centuries ago and view the map of all the snow stores found in the area. 

Church

The Parochial Church NTRA Senora De La Asuncion consecrated in 1516 combines the main characteristics of Valencian art from Gothic to the 19th century.  It contains several historical artifacts that are well worth seeing.