Bocairent between rock, museums and the Sierra de Mariola

Rock, history and living tradition

Bocairent's Plaza de Toros is the oldest bullring in the Comunitat Valenciana and is largely carved into the natural rock. The Monasterio rupestre is likewise shaped by the rock and contains an old underground monastery. The rock chamber there was sealed in 1700; a second monastery was subsequently established before the present-day monastery was built in 1902. The Iglesia Parroquial was built above the former Arab castle.

Las Danzas are also known as Dansa, Dansa Plana, Xàquera Vella, Ball Pla and Ball de Plaça. They are considered Bocairent's oldest and most vibrant folklore tradition, have been documented since the beginning of the 17th century and take place between 23 and 27 August. The Museo de Oficios y Costumbres offers another insight into local customs, with ethnographic collections on textiles, agriculture, activities in the mountain region and the traditions of Bocairent.

Museums spanning art and archaeology

The Museo Festero documents the tradition of the Moors and Christians in Bocairent with costumes, festival programmes, sheet music and materials from nine groups. The Museo Parroquial de Bocairent houses one of the most important collections of religious art in the Comunitat Valenciana, including works by Joan de Joanes, Joaquín Sorolla, Ribalta, Segrelles and Mariano Benlliure.

The Museo Paleontológico features depictions of human evolution, life-size dinosaur reconstructions and fossils from numerous groups. The Museo Arqueológico Municipal displays objects dating from the Upper Palaeolithic well into the Middle Ages; most come from sites within the municipality of Bocairent. The Museo Antonio Ferri is divided into three thematic areas and permanently displays works by the painter Antonio Ferri, which were donated to Bocairent because of his personal connection with the municipality.

Landscape and trails in the Sierra de Mariola

The Senda de la Font dels Teulars passes through fertile farmland, past springs and centuries-old holm oaks, and then reaches the Sierra de Mariola. The La Font de Mariola recreation area near Bocairent is one of the recreational facilities of the Serra de Mariola Natural Park.

For longer stretches, the Vía Verde del Xixarra is available: the walkable railway track between Biar and Alcoi is 42 kilometres long. The 10-kilometre section between Bocairent and Agres is paved.

Regional cuisine with herbs from the Sierra

Bocairent's cuisine is strongly influenced by the Sierra de Mariola. Typical dishes include Mariola-style gazpacho, peppers stuffed with rice, puchero, olleta, borra, pericana, various rice dishes and cured meats. A traditional liqueur from Bocairent is made from sweet and dry anise and flavoured with various herbs from the Sierra.

Getting around the historic centre

Bocairent's historic centre is a pedestrian zone. Parking is available on C/ Batalla de Lepanto and on Joaquin Sorolla. A guided tour of the Covetes dels Moros lasts one hour; access is difficult and is not suitable for people with claustrophobia or a fear of heights.

More destinations for planning your trip: Albuixech, Siete Aguas, Segart, Burjassot, Vallés, Rugat, El Palomar and Sagunto.

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