Last Friday almost 40 members of the History Group set off on our one day Field Trip “In the steps of Al Azraq, Moorish Warlord of the Marina Alta”
The weather was excellent as we left Javea and made our way to the Val Gallinera beyond Pego to view from afar the 10th century Islamic castles at Benirrama and Alcala.
Group Leader Keith Smith and Christine Betterton Jones of Friends of Xabia Museum talked about various aspects of the history of this mountainous area close to Javea.
A nice coffee stop and village walk ensued in the very quaint traditional village of Beniali before we continued our journey deep into the mountains for a photo at Beniaia in front of the Tardor Rosello mural there.
We then made our way, all the time in the very safe hands of our Denibus driver Alvaro, to Alcala de la Jovada the birthplace of Al Azraq around 1218. After a walk around the village and up to the nearby aqueduct we had a fantastic paella lunch at Vicent La Tona in the village. A real valencian meat paella with vegetarian option. Great food and service from this small village restaurant and even limoncello and herbal liqueur to finish.
On the way back to Javea we stopped at the abandoned Morisco village of LÁtzuvieta, and the Nevera de Baix, an ice store where ice was made and transported to the fish market at Denia. The scenic descent to the coast was then made with a brief stop to look at the natural mountain phenomena of the Foradada.
Thanks to Nigel Bentley and Irina Smith for the photos.
Please contact Group Leader Keith Smith on history@u3ajavea.com if you would like to join our mailing list to be advised of future talks and events
