Calpe and Surrounding Area Information

Benissa

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History

As an urban settlement, its origins date back to the prehistory. The first remains that we know about the human settlement in Benissa are 4,000 years old. The cave painting found in the shelter Mono de La Francesa, popularly known as "Eva Pinera" belongs to that age.

In historical times, the Iberians and other towns colonized the municipality but, undoubtedly, the muslims were the ones who left an important influence on the village. They gave the current name of Benissa, the toponyms of the great majority of rural parties, as well as many methods that relate to agriculture.

Monuments and interesting buildings

• Town Hall Building (XVIIIth Century). Former hospital for poor people.
• The whole historic centre, particularly the Purissima and Desamparats streets with their noble little palaces.
• La Lonja de Contraración, XVIth Century. It now hosts itinerant displays.
• Monument to the Riberero. Memorizing the people of Benissa who emigrated every year to the banks of Valencia. Their work there was in rice plantation and harvesting.
• Juan Vives' House. The place where the Purissima Xiqueta image was found, patron saint of Benissa.
• Monastery of the Franciscan Fathers, XVIIth Century. Highlighting its restrained and intimist cloister.
• Church of the Purissima Xiqueta, XXth Century. Popularly known as 'The Cathedral of the Marina" because of its huge size.
• Guided tours around the historic centre (several languages).

Open-Air activities

• Water sports. Yachting harbour of the Marina.
• Golf (9 holes).
• Horse riding
• Tracking. Organized guided tours.
• Trekking and climbing.
• Bicycle touring.

Places

• Bernia Mountains. The Fountain, the "Forat" (natural hollow in the rock) and the Fortin. Interesting natural plants.
• Oltà Mountains, the Solana and Els Lleus. Hermitage.
• Shelter of the Morro de Ia Francesa with macro-schematicpaintingand the Party of Pinos.
• Parties of Benimarco and Santa Ana. Hermitages and washing places.
• Fustera beach and coves.
• The Miocene Depression with terraces covering the area between the city centre and the sea.

Feast days

• Funfair of San Anronio. Medieval market, 2nd fortnight of January.
• Patron saints days in honor of the Purissima Xiqueta, Sunday of April.
• Moors and Christians in honour of San Pedro, at the end of June.
• Popular festivals in the rural parties and districts. June, July and August.
• Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Santa Ana. 26th July. Popular snack.

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