Novelda, situated in the Vinalopo River valley, has been a key transportation route and communication link between the Spanish midland plains, the southeast, and the Mediterranean coastline since ancient times. Despite its advantageous location – less than 30 kilometres from Alicante and easily accessible from the main highway to Madrid – Novelda remains relatively undiscovered and off the beaten path for most tourists. Although it may not seem like a particularly intriguing destination, this small inland town offers a surprising array of attractions. For those staying in Alicante, Novelda makes for a convenient day trip. Here are some popular sights to enjoy in Novelda.
Modernism in Novelda
Modernism, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is known for its elaborate art characterised by a high degree of freedom in shapes and predominately curved and delicate waving forms, often incorporating floral and plant elements. This artistic movement went beyond architecture, influencing various art forms, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, literature, music, and more. There are differing opinions on whether modernism and art nouveau are synonymous or distinct, but many consider them interconnected within the same artistic movement. With my hometown Riga renowned as the Art Nouveau capital of Europe, I am strongly interested in Art Nouveau and Modernist architecture and art worldwide. In Novelda, affluent upper-class families pursued new architectural and decorative designs to reflect their taste and social status. The city, which had experienced significant growth since the mid-18th century, saw the construction of many houses in the Modernist style. Important examples of Modernist architecture in the Valencian region can be found in Novelda, including the Casa-Museo Modernista, Centro Cultural Gomez-Tortosa, Casal Fester, and Casa Mira (not open to the public). The Casino and St Mary Magdalene's Sanctuary were also built during this period.
Modernist House Museum
The Navarro House, also known as the Pichocha House, was constructed by Antonia Navarro Mira, a prominent woman from Novelda. Antonia developed an interest in Modernist architecture during her travels in Europe and lived in the house with her daughter Luisa. Despite being widowed after a short marriage, Antonia was a successful businesswoman and used her inheritance to hire architect Pedro Cerdan Martinez to design the house, which was completed in 1905. The house is meticulously designed, with every detail, including the light switches, reflecting the distinctive Modernist style of each room. Today, the Modernist House Museum, managed by the Mediterranean Foundation, showcases a collection of modernist furniture and exhibits. The museum provides insight into the lifestyle and aesthetics of the Modernist era, making it a compelling destination for history and design enthusiasts. Some museum rooms are dedicated to Jorge Juan y Santacilia, a renowned sailor and mathematician from Novelda. Guests are not permitted to take photographs inside the museum but are welcome to do so in the yard. Instead, they are provided with a colourful booklet containing images of the interior.
Address: Carrer Major 24
Gomez Tortosa Cultural Centre
Antonia Navarro Mira purchased and renovated a building in the Modernist style for her daughter Carmen and her husband, located just down the street. This three-storey property was originally built at the end of the 19th century and underwent a significant restructuring and expansion in 1901 when it was acquired by Mrs Antonia. The renovation incorporated decorative elements and architectural features of Modernism. While the exterior of the building may not stand out, resembling more traditional 19th-century architecture, the interior showcases the elegance of Modernism through its decorative elements. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a spacious foyer with oak panels.
Beyond the foyer lies a magnificent rectangular courtyard surrounded by columns and covered by a large glass roof, allowing natural light to flood the space. 
Visitors have the opportunity to experience various spaces that feature well-maintained interiors and furniture from the Modernist era.
The building now houses the Gomez-Tortosa Cultural Centre and Novelda's tourist office. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free admission.
Address: Carrer Mayor, 6
Casal del Fester
The Casal del Fester, originally a savings bank and retirement home designed by architect Jose Sala, was transferred to the Association of Moors and Christians Comparsas Santa Maria Magdalena in 2008. 
Address: Replaceta dels Sants Metges 6
Town Hall
The Town Hall's exterior is a prime example of 17th-century Valencian civil architecture, known for its sturdy and imposing design. Notable features include a sundial from the mid-18th century, an ironwork balcony added in 1754, and a municipal coat of arms carved in stone in 1903. In 1905, a clock face and a bell tower were installed, featuring Canseco system clocks with a central register needle that ensures accurate timekeeping year-round.
Plaza de Espana
Across from the Town Hall, located in the Plaza de Espana, stands the monument dedicated to Jorge Juan y Santacilia, a renowned sailor and mathematician. Unveiled in 1913, the sculpture was created by Alicante artist Vicente Banuls Aracil.
Jorge Juan
Jorge Juan y Santacilia, born in Novelda in 1713, was a mathematician and seaman known for his involvement in the Spanish-French expedition to South America. He played a key role in measuring the degree of the meridian at the equator to determine Earth's equatorial diameter. Additionally, he introduced the study of Newtonian physics to Spain, oversaw the modernisation of the Spanish Navy, and helped lay the groundwork for the Spanish Academy of Sciences. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to advancing mathematics, nautical sciences, and engineering in Spain.
Casa Bonmati
The Casa Bonmati, a bourgeois house constructed around 1920, is situated just behind the monument to Jorge Juan. An intriguing detail about this house is that its owner, Manuel Bonmati, invented the popular 'grape sacks' used for bagging grapes to slow down their ripening process, thus enabling the tradition of eating twelve grapes on New Year's Eve to continue.
Address: Plaza de Espana 12
Sant Pere Church
Sant Pere Church, situated adjacent to the Town Hall, was constructed between 1553 and 1609 when the burial crypts were installed. In the early 18th century, extensive renovations were carried out to accommodate the growing congregation. The Chapel of Communion, also known as La Aurora, is particularly notable for its continuous availability for worship and its rich religious symbolism centred on the Eucharist. The baroque-style pipe organ is also a prominent feature of the church. During my visit, I only had access to the chapel because the church was closed. 
Address: Carrer Jorge Juan 5
Casino cultural society
The historic Novelda Casino, once a gathering place for the town's elite, is also designed in the Modernist style. It features two floors with spacious rooms for social events and entertainment, adorned with ornate panelled ceilings and beautiful paintings. Built in 1888, the building has been expanded over the years. While it may not shine as brightly as it once did, it remains a worthwhile destination. 
The 7,000 m2 garden surrounding the casino is enclosed by an iron fence atop a stone base, with a temple at its centre for musical performances. 
Visitors can relax with a cold beer in the Casino Gardens.
Address: Carrer Emilio Castelar 23
Parque del Oeste
The park reflects the Modernist style prevalent in the city, as seen in the mosaics and lattices that adorn it. It is a significant green space that offers leisure and outdoor activities to visitors. The park features an amphitheatre where various performances take place, as well as public barbecues, playgrounds, sports courts, and other amenities. Despite its original facilities, the park is appreciated as a natural retreat, with paths lined with diverse vegetation. While the park has potential, it requires more maintenance to become a truly attractive destination.
Adjacent to the park is the Municipal Cemetery.
Address: C. Alfonso el Sabio 29
Municipal Cemetery
Novelda's cemetery is a prime example of a bourgeois burial ground, featuring a square layout. It was established in 1884 following a devastating cholera outbreak that ravaged the town. The elaborate pantheons, designed in an eclectic architectural style, and crypts with Modernist influences – such as the one belonging to engineer Jose Sala Sala, designer of St Mary Magdalene’s Sanctuary – are particularly noteworthy. These monumental ensembles add prestige and elegance to the area. Among the prominent individuals interred at the cemetery include Antonia Navarro Mira, who is credited with introducing Modernism to Novelda. Her pantheon is notable for its Eucharistic symbolism, while the Mira family pantheon combines Romanesque and modernist elements. The cemetery provides insight into various burial styles and the architectural trends of the era, reflecting the prosperity of the entrepreneurial bourgeoisie.
The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If you have a car or are willing to walk more than an hour each way, consider adding St Mary Magdalene's Sanctuary and La Mola Castle to your itinerary in Novelda. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to these locations. Both the sanctuary and the castle are situated on a small hill at an elevation of 360 metres above sea level, approximately four kilometres northwest of Novelda.
St Mary Magdalene’s Sanctuary
St Mary Magdalene’s Sanctuary is a notable attraction in Novelda, offering visitors the chance to admire its unique architecture and enjoy a meal at a restaurant with a terrace that provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. The sanctuary was constructed by engineer Jose Sala Sala, a resident of Novelda, who was influenced by Gaudi and the Modernist movement. Construction of the sanctuary took nearly 30 years, starting in 1918 and completing in 1946. Perched on a high crag north of Novelda, the sanctuary stands out in the Vinalopo Valley. Unlike traditional Spanish churches, it is built with rough stone instead of a polished facade. The church's organ features marble, underscoring the significance of the marble industry in Novelda.
La Mola Castle
The ruins of La Mola Castle, located behind the sanctuary, feature a striking triangular tower that dominates the middle valley of the Vinalopo. 
This castle was part of a network of fortifications designed to control and defend against the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon during the Middle Ages. The castle has a polygonal floor plan with eight protruding quadrangular cubes, of which only four remain today. After the Christian conquest, the castle came under the control of the Castilian and later the Aragonese Crown. In the 14th century, a magnificent triangular tower was added to the northwest flank of the fortress. The tower, measuring 15 metres on each side and standing 17 metres tall, is made of masonry with ashlar reinforcement at the corners. It has two floors with interior lighting provided through loopholes. Both the castle and the sanctuary are free to enter, with parking available nearby. Be sure to check the church's opening hours before your visit.
When visiting Novelda, you will notice several marble factories on the outskirts of the town.
Marble factories
Novelda has long been renowned in the natural stone industry for its expertise in processing marble, particularly Crema Marfil limestone. However, over time, the town has expanded its focus beyond Spanish materials and has become a global hub for processing and selling natural stones from countries around the world.
Where to eat in Novelda
Restaurant Bon Profit offers a blend of traditional Mediterranean cuisine and modern design, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious and balanced menu. The decor and ambience of the restaurant are charming and inviting. Additionally, the noise-reducing ceiling and wall panels help maintain a cosy atmosphere for diners. 
The service is professional, and the prices are considered attractive by reviewers. The staff does not communicate in English, but we were able to overcome this by using Google Translate. Google users have rated the restaurant 4.5 stars. I had lunch there and enjoyed their daily special.
Practical information
If you are planning to use public transportation from Alicante to Novelda, check the bus schedules carefully, as the buses run infrequently. Additionally, be mindful that many attractions have irregular hours with long lunch breaks, so it is best to confirm opening times in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Since there is no public bus service from Novelda to St Mary Magdalene’s Sanctuary and La Mola Castle, be prepared for a 4.5-kilometre one-way walk or consider driving instead.
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Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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