Today, we invite you on an exciting adventure to visit the charming village of Bocairent and follow the Magic Route through its historic old town. Along this path, you’ll discover fascinating sites such as Les Covetes dels Moros, the Ermita de Santo Cristo, and the San Blas Ice Cave.
The old town of Bocairent
Bocairent’s old town is remarkable, featuring ancient houses clustered on the edge of a ravine. This medieval village, declared a National Historic-Artistic Site in 1975, offers visitors a chance to explore hidden gems of immense beauty.
The Magic Route of Bocairent
Bocairent has a marked trail known as “The Magic Route,” which guides you through the most picturesque parts of its Medieval quarter. Starting at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where grand 17th and 18th-century houses stand, the route winds through the village’s old town. It features narrow, winding streets, steep stairways, ancient hermitages, homes carved into the rock, hidden caves, bridges, and countless intriguing spots waiting to be explored.
Les Covetes dels Moros National Monument
The Les Covetes dels Moros Monument (declared a National Monument in 1932) consists of caves carved into the rock of a mountainside. These artificial caves are built into a cliff with more than 50 small windows, providing access to interconnected chambers.
There are several theories about their purpose: tombs, granaries, pantries, or war shelters. Likely, these were secure storage granaries from the Hispano-Muslim era.
Inside, you will find a network of passages and small openings, requiring visitors to crawl or climb to move between caves.
San Blas Ice Cave (Cava de Sant Blai)
This cave is historically significant, as it was once used as a snow storage facility, supplying ice to the surrounding areas. The ice was primarily used for medical purposes, such as reducing fevers or stopping bleeding, and for cooling liquids rather than preserving food.
The cave features an underground gallery carved into the rock, leading to a circular chamber where the ice was stored. At the top of the dome, there is an access point where the snow was deposited.
Ermita de Santo Cristo
The Ermita de Santo Cristo, built in the 16th century, sits atop a mountain and consists of three buildings: the former convent (now a hostel), the chaplain’s house in the center, and the Gothic-style church with an attached bell tower. The zigzagging “Camino del Calvario” leads to the top, with stations representing the Via Crucis along the way.
The Pou Clar pools in Ontinyent
The Pou Clar pools are a stunning natural attraction in the province of Valencia. Located where the Clariano River begins, these six pools offer a beautiful setting for swimming and relaxation. The area is a valuable natural spot for Ontinyent’s residents and a well-known landmark in the region.
A magical hotel in a former train station
We recommend staying at Hotel L’Estació, a charming and peaceful hotel located in a renovated train station. Situated in Bocairent, just 10 km from Ontinyent, this unique hotel offers a tennis court, outdoor pool, free parking, and complimentary wired internet.
Come explore these enchanting spots and let us know your thoughts. Share this post with anyone who might enjoy discovering these hidden treasures!
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