From the Bronze Age transitional period up to present time Orihuela's past tells hundreds of stories through its extensive artistic and historic patrimony. Its extensive traditional museums, churches, palaces and monuments make this town a place of great cultural interest. The old quarter of the town was declared an historic and monumental area in 1969. Six of its noble buildings are regarded cultural heritage.
There are numerous museums in Oruhuela, a visit is highly recommended to Museo de la Muralla and Sala-Museo San Juan de Dios my experience was quite amazing !!!
Museo de la Muralla In this museum interesting medieval remains, both Islamic and Christian have survived. Sala-Museo San Juan de Dios the archaeological museum is situated within this building. Here you can admire artefacts dating back from Palaeolithic era up to the 18th century, you can also view the seasonal show room.
Or... You can visit the numerous choice of churches which scatter the streets of Orihuela, their Gothic style and splendour are quite remarkable.
Orihuela's gastronomy is considered to be the best representative of traditional cuisine in the Levante area. Along with a wide variety of tapas, Orihuela offers an ample culinary diversity which includes dishes such as "tres punaos" rice with rabbit, and "clarico" rice with vegetables. To finish off with a pleasant taste in your mouth, traditional pastries and an excellent choice of fruit cultivated in Orihuela's farmland are served. And for an unique experience you can sample exqisite home-made products of Arabic origin, like pastelles de gloria, zamarras, chatos, pezunas, valarinos, totadas de yema, guirlaches, almojabanas, you will be really spoilt for choice.
During the easter week Orihuela celebrates Semana Santa. Orihuela converts itself into a museum of extaordinary renowned edartistic value. You can attend the solemn processions which recount the passion and death of Christ. Purely mystical !!!.
If you would like to experience one of the provinces most characteristic and outstanding festivals Moros y Crisianos visit Orihuela during the last fortnight in July. On the Reconquest anniversary you can enjoy the different marches,magnificent parades, fairs and "El Dia del Pajaro" ( day of the bird)celebration where the Senyera flag, known as "El Oriol", is carried through the streets. And to finish your day visit Museo de la Reconquista which is a museum dedicated to the local festivals of the Moors and Christians. Photographs, festival tunics, musical instruments and festival posters can be seen there. Well worth a visit .....
A SPECTACULAR DAY OUT !!!!!!!
