What to see in Elche (Alicante)
Elche is an ideal city for sightseeing. As well as its beautiful beaches, its culture and its history make it a treasure worth discovering for all visitors. Elche is full of museums and monuments that capture the evolution of the city from its beginnings to the present day.
Here at Top School in Spain, we believe you cannot leave Elche without visiting the following:
The Town Hall
The main body of the building is the oldest construction in the southern region of the Valencian Community. Building began in 1441 and finished 3 years later. Adjacent to this building is the Tower of Calendura and Calendureta, two figures made out of polychrome wood that ring the bell in the tower upon the hour and every quarter of an hour.
The Basilica of Santa María
The present basilica is built upon the site of what was, during Muslim rule, the most important mosque in the city. It is a mixture of different architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical to Baroque. In its interior, the Misteri d’Elx is performed, a sacred, lyrical drama which, in 2001, was declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Altamira Palace
Built in the 15th Century, it has been used for various purposes. It was originally the home of nobles, yet has also been used as a prison and even as a textile factory. After several periods of renovation, the building now forms part of the Archaeological and History Museum of Elche.
Convento de la Merced
More well-known as the convent of Las Clarisas, the building was constructed above what were previously Arabic baths. Indeed, the baths have been preserved in the basement and can be visited. Divided into 3 floors, the highlight being the beautiful neoclassical cloisters.
Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE)
An opportunity for you to discover the rich history of the city, and its evolution from its origins to the present day.
Contemporary Art Museum of Elche (MACE)
This museum houses an important collection of prestigious art and works from over the last 60 years.
Municipal Festa Museum
For those who do not have the opportunity to witness the Misteri in the Basilica of Santa María, this museum has all the information you need and, thanks to its special-effects room, you will be transported right into the middle of the celebration itself.
Palm Grove Museum
Recommended to anyone who wishes to discover more about Elche’s other World Heritage site, the Palm Grove. Along the route, you will learn about palm craftsmanship and the use and care of the trees, as well as many other interesting things.
Pusol Museum
Thanks to the generous donations of numerous ilicitanos, this museum has been created with the purpose of reflecting what life in Elche was like in the past; its streets and houses, customs and commerce, etc. You will travel back in time, 200 years, to an Elche of yesteryear.
La Alcudia archaeological site
It is considered one of the most important Iberian discoveries in Spain. On 4th August 1897, the Lady of Elche bust (“la Dama de Elche” in Spanish) was found in this very same place, and subsequent finds helped shed light on the type of lifestyle the Iberians lived.
Pikolinos Footwear Museum
Visitors to the Pikolinos Museum will have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s main industry – footwear. Here you will find out about the manufacturing process and how the production of espadrilles in the 19th Century slowly transformed into a flourishing footwear industry, upon which much of the city’s economy is now based.
For further information on this beautiful and historical city, do not miss this video:
Or visit Elche’s tourism website:
