Guadalest – An Artist’s Vision
Show on mapBy Veronica Shine
Spain calls out to many for its supreme beaches, fine cities and cuisine. Although the terrain in Spain is developing rapidly, many hidden jewels still remain unspoiled and hidden. Guadalest is one of them. Situated in the Marina Baja region in the Province of Alicante in the Costa Blanca, Guadalest rises above the rocks and sits on an altitude of 590 meters.
The tiny village of Guadalest offers a spectacular sight perched high above green valleys lush with apple, cherry and orange groves.
Few places in the world can combine a pant as you approach Guadalest, which stands out kilometres away on the winding roads leading to her. When nearing the summit with its picturesque white bell tower perched on top, it sets the stage for a captivating monument. One can only imagine that perhaps the Guadalest Fortress may be where Hemingway was inspired for the title of his classic novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls.
The Guadalest Fortress
The Guadalest Fortress, which existed during the invasion of the Moors, was re-conquered by the Christians in the 13th century and ruled by several Aragon kings. Following the narrow streets upward and pass the simplicity of its buildings, you will come upon a spectacular square with an awesome view looking down to valleys filled with almond, cherry and orange trees, the stunning Bernia Mountain Range and the Guadalest River. On an especially clear day, even the Med is in view being only 11KM away.
In 1974, the fortress was declared an area of historic and artistic importance. The municipality meanwhile has remained small with a population of about 204 and is a popular day trip for holiday makers and residents alike.
There are several small museums, the most impressive being Casa Orduña, which belonged to a noble family in the 16th century. It was completely restored by the family’s descendants, whose roots are of Basque origin. The family received the title of marquis of Guadalest in 1542 by the Admirals of Aragon. T he generation of the family members served of guardians of the fortress and governors of their states.
The house sits on an irregular plot with one half supported by and overlapping the jagged rock, while the other half is adjoin to the chapel and bell tower. The structure consists of four floors.
Some of the furnishings, artwork and linens are intact. During the month of July, worldwide artists display their works against this wonderful backdrop of this manor house. There are many galleries and even in the Casa Orduña, the third floor is dedicated to art work from world wide submissions representing Guadalest and its bell tower. It is unique to see hundreds of art work depicting similar scenes and yet all individually different.
The highlight everyone waits for is a fiesta to its patron saint, La Virgen de la Asuncion held from August 14 to 17 each year.
The surrounding areas throughout Spain are filled with folklore, history, delicious food, superb wine, brilliant art and breathtaking terrain and beaches. The beauty of visiting these old pueblos is that they are never too far away from modern resorts and casinos. There will be a town somewhere not to be missed and an auto is a necessity to allow you the freedom to visit these concealed treasures without the crowds.
I found that this article makes me want to go to Gudalest. I could see myself showing my art there. I would also like to take my son, an art major. The pictures are breathtaking , and the food sounds delicious.
Hi, Enjoyed this article. It gives the costa blanca visitor a chance to go inland and see this beautiful place. Just the drive up is worth it.
The article makes the reader want to go there and experience it for themselves….well written.
Thanks Diane. This was a good piece. I agree.
Damn, awesome website. I actually came across this on a travel site, and I am happy I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.
Thank You
Glad you enjoy the article Veronica.
I’ve been to guardalest thanks to you! and guess what? I loved it! the caves are amazing, absolutely georgous, and the beaches too. Thank you.
John Turner
Happy you have gotten to experience it. It is fabulous. We still make the trip several times a year during all different seasons.
Thank you so much, this was a good read. I was actually born in Spain ( not telling you when though!) but moved around europe and finally settled in England when I was 5. I dont remember much of the few years I was in spain, but the delicious smell of spanish food always seems to get me going or something. It’s weird how I dont remember anything except the smells,isn’t it! I even found a whole internet site dedicated to spanish recipes, which gave me great delight and thought I really should to share. Anyway, thank you again. I’ll get my son to add your feed to my rss thing…
Happy you enjoyed the article. I also write up recipes from Spain with a brief histroy behind them that you may be interested in.
I just visited Guadalest, and found it exactly what’s written in this article. I love Spain.
Gald you enjoyed your visit Shailesh. I tried to get up there as often as possible.
Thank you for your feedback.