Discovered on December 1, 1963 by Mr. José María Soler, the Treasure of Villena is a spectacular set of 66 pieces of various metals made up of bowls, bracelets, bottles and various pieces of gold ornament, three silver bottles, a bracelet of iron, an iron finish with gold ornaments and a button of amber and gold. In total, a unique find of almost 10 kilos of gold, which was hidden 3,000 years ago and is considered the most important prehistoric treasure in Europe. The Treasure is exhibited in the José María Soler Archaeological Museum, which exhibits pieces of great value from the different periods of history that document the human occupation of this region since prehistory – 50,000 years ago – until today. The remains belonging to the Bronze Age are numerous and come from more than 20 villages, being the Cabezo Redondo its maximum exponent. On the other hand, materials from the Iberian period and Roman and Arab civilizations are also represented in sites as important as the Iberian settlement of Puntal de Salinas, the fabulous Arracada de la Condomina, the Dama de Caudete, and by remains of columns, pottery and coins belonging to several Roman villas.
Located in the headquarters of the Central Board of Festivals, former palace belonging to the Selva-Mergelina family. It is a four-story building that perfectly reflects the typology of nineteenth-century bourgeois construction. Inside, the Nolla ceramic floors stand out, one of the most characteristic and genuine elements of Valencian modernism. The museum is dedicated to house an important collection of objects related to the traditional Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena. It shows costumes and festeras images, posters and programs published over many years or memories of previous parties. In addition, the funds show a representation of all the costumes of the fourteen comparsas that participate in the Moors and Christians Festivities. Important is the section dedicated to the conservation of original scores of festive music, inseparable companion of all the acts that are celebrated during those days.
ASPE HISTORICAL MUSEUM The History of the town of Aspe is disclosed by the Historical Museum, from where a wide range of activities are offered in order to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the population: temporary exhibitions, conference cycles, educational workshops, presentation of publications . For its location was chosen a historic building of the late nineteenth century, located at the outskirts of the town and known as "The Cisco". THE VISIT Through two different spaces in the Historical Museum of Aspe history is reconstructed through its archaeological and ethnological pieces. The tour begins in the archeology rooms. There, the visitor can know not only the aspects of the daily life of the different cultures that have inhabited this territory, but the great historical events that motivated the passage of one another. In this way, hunter-gatherer life forms of Paleolithic human groups give rise to the appearance of agriculture and the birth of stable settlements and the creation of the first classical civilizations, such as the Iberians. The Romanization, the Islamization and the Christianization of these lands also allow us to understand the formation and evolution of ancient and medieval cultures, as well as the pillars on which the society of modern times is based. The contents related to Contemporary History are the link with the collection of ethnography, built thanks to the material contribution and oral information of many inhabitants of Aspe. The ethnographic funds are also composed of elements belonging to the house and located in their original environment, such as the mill and the winery. These materials make reference to agricultural work, crafts and other aspects of traditional life. ASPE HISTORICAL MUSEUM Free entrance Avda. de la Constitución 40-42 Information and concerted visits: Tlf .: 965 490 433 Mail: museo@ayto.aspe.es
The Primitivo Rovira e Hijos Factory is the oldest artisan factory in Jijona. It was founded in 1850 by Primitivo Rovira Soler and has been transferred from father to son, generation after generation, to Primitivo Rovira Sanjuán today, who together with his sister Beatriz, form the sixth generation of this jrunenca turronera family. From its origins, in 1850, until today, this great Casa Turronera has opened its doors every autumn, excited and energetic to face its two and a half months of intense activity, which ends just before the Christmas celebrations. Throughout all these years, Casa Rovira has been awarded with countless awards and distinctions that guarantee its experience and quality as Turron Masters. It is worth noting, for its antiquity and originality, the concession granted in 1879 by the Italian King Humberto I when he designated us with "the high privilege of being able to raise the royal coat of arms in his trade and to become the Supplier of the Royal Italian House".
It was constructed in the 1920s as the barracks for the Civil Guard. Nowadays it houses the Youth Information Centre as well as classrooms where courses and cultural activities are offered. We can also find the Museum of Technology of Jijona here in room 2 on the first floor. A wealth of cultural heritage generated by industry, especially that of turrón during the last two hundred years, is on display in this museum.
El Cau is Mariano Ros's great little artistic project. A unique and wonderful outdoor place in the El Tabaià mountain range. This open-air museum is sculpted on the walls of an old quarry in Ferriol, one of the districts of Elche. From here the stone that was used to rebuild the church of Santa María was taken. Mariano Ros, retired shoemaker and mountain fan, spent years building and sculpting in stone a multitude of figures representing the life of the people of Elche. For eight years, from 2000 to 2008 (when he was forbidden to continue with his work because he was in the public forest), he dedicated himself to creating this emblematic, with the help of his friends Cándido, Vicente and Pere. Among all they made are numerous figures, among which the representations of the most emblematic monuments and icons of Elche stand out. Among all the figures carved in the rock we can find works that represent the Swamp (which was the other place we visited that same morning), the Palm Grove, the Lady of Elche, the Misteri, the Church of Santa María ... And much more. In this curious sculptural group we will also find other original works with which he wanted to pay homage to his family, to the women, to characters loved by the neighbors ... Some sculpted animals and, also some interesting construction, such as the Pyramid, the Tower of Ros or the Cau (a small room carved out of the stone. Hence its name. Cau means burrow). Without a doubt, it is one of those beautiful places to take photos in Elche that we must know. Next to a large stone table we find the refuge. Another room excavated in the rock, a little larger, that houses a table, several chairs and what seems to be some materials for the maintenance of the place. On the table there is a notebook that they have left so that visitors can leave their opinions. In addition to all his artistic work, various species of trees, shrubs and aromatic plants have been planted in El Cau. All native and typical of this arid terrain and the Mediterranean climate. The land on which this open-air museum in Elche is located is dry, arid and with very little water. El Cau is about 15 minutes by car from Elche. The path that takes us to the point where we can park the car is asphalt. So getting here is good and easy. It has no loss. Here we will see a sign carved in stone that indicates the direction we have to follow to get to the Cau. In Google Maps you can find the point where you can leave the car. From here, there will only be about 600 meters to reach El Cau. The path that leads from the place where we left the car to El Cau is quite short and easy to do, although it runs through a fairly stony area, so there is a lot of loose stone and it is also on a slope. Going up can cost us a little if we do it in the hottest hours. Keep in mind that it is a very arid area, so you should always carry a lot of water, do not forget your hat, sunglasses and good shoes. The route is very easy to follow since there are several signs drawn or sculpted in the rock, just walk and enjoy. It is worth climbing to the highest parts. Both from "El balcó d’Elx" and from the "Torre de Ros", the views are truly impressive.
The Agost Pottery Museum, housed in an old 19th-century ceramics factory, is a fascinating space dedicated to the rich pottery tradition of this picturesque town in Alicante. This museum allows you to discover the artisanal process of ceramics, from the extraction of clay to the creation of the pieces on the wheel. Its exhibits include original tools, antique ovens, and a collection of unique objects that reflect centuries of craft. Ideal for learning about Agost's cultural legacy, the museum also offers workshops and guided tours, making it an enriching experience for all ages.
The Railroad Museum was inaugurated in May 2016 and is currently located in the University Village. Here, the public can find historical material relating to the old railway station. From signs to photographs; through pieces of the old furniture of the station are some of the fragments that make up this sample of historical reconstruction of the railway in San Vicente during the twentieth century.
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