La Vila Joiosa is a place with more than three thousand years of history, given by the remains that have appeared in different locations, which show the historical importance of the town. Fortunately, many of the traces left behind by the different civilisations that have populated this land, can be seen in their original location or displayed in its museums.
That is why visiting La Vila Joiosa and its rich heritage is a journey through time: the Iberian Sanctuary of 'La Malladeta', the Roman Municipium of Allon with the largest underwater shipwreck excavated in the Mediterranean, the Old Town, declared BIC (Site of Cultural Interest), which is one of the best preserved in the Valencian Community, and an example of the traditional polychrome of the Western Mediterranean, Anti-Corsair Defence Towers, port and shipyards that became the second naval registration of Spain, distinguished characters...
La Vila is culture, it is history, come and discover it!
The Marina Baixa region, whose historic capital is La Vila Joiosa, has always lived facing the sea. One of the reasons why it has always been open to the Mediterranean is the great arc of mountains that surrounds it and which made land communication difficult, as most of the passages were not suitable for the transport of goods.
But the sea was not only the commercial 'highway' of the region, it was also the scene of constant attacks by Barbary pirates. The increase in pirate raids forced the towns to plan a defence.
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La Vila Joiosa, its people and its history have been shaped by the sea. Its twelve kilometres of coastline with its thirteen beaches, its traditional fishing industry, its Royal shipyards, which in 1860 became the second largest naval shipyard in Spain, its importance throughout history as the main port in the area for both passengers and merchandise... are some of the facts that allow us to understand how the sea has modeled the future of this town and its people. That is why La Vila Marinera is a must for all those who want to get to know and understand the open nature and idiosyncrasy of this Costa Blanca town.
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This chalet was built between 1927-1930 by the architect Juan Vidal Ramos, one of Alicante's most popular architects, also designer of buildings such as the MARQ, the Palacio de Diputación, and Alicante's Central Market,. Its owners were the 'Centella' family from its construction until 2009 when it was acquired by the City Council.
Although the building currently houses the Tourist Office and the areas of economic development, the original architecture has been respected. The building has an 'eclectic' style, typical of the period and its architect, a mixture of classical and modern styles. On the east façade there is a pediment, reminiscent of Greek temples, above it neo-baroque ornaments and inside there are modernist and even colonial elements.
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The boats are, for a few hours, the “main character” of the greatest event of La Vila Joiosa Moors and Christians, the Landing, in the early hours of July 28th. For a few hours all eyes, lights and cameras focus on them, but when the Moors reache the desired land, and the sun is up, they become invisible, disappear from the scene and return to their “backstage”where they can be quiet and wait for their next appointment.
They are the boats of the Moorish Landing, the Saracen boats, on board of which the Moors arrive on the shores of La Vila coast at this dawn of fiesta and spectacle.
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La Malladeta is a very special place where it is possible to observe the Mediterranean surrounded by nature. The 'Tossal de la Malladeta', with fantastic views of the coast, can be reached by taking a walk from the promenade along the coast to Alicante. Here we find remarkable examples of the natural and historical heritage of La Vila Joiosa, pointing out the importance of this place, which is also traditionally used for picnics on the feast of San Blas, due to its proximity to the saint's chapel.
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