The Conjunto histórico-artístico, also known locally as the Centro histórico de Villena, is a treasure trove of history and architecture nestled around the Atalaya Castle in Villena, Spain. This historic center is a blend of two originally distinct areas: El Rabal and Lo Cercado or La Ciudad. The former stretches west of the current Church of Santa María, while the latter developed around the Church of Santiago following the Christian conquest and was fortified by Don Juan Manuel.
The roots of Villena's historic center can be traced back to its Arab inhabitants. The now-vanished mosque likely served as the civic center for the Arab population, which did not initially have walls. The first mention of fortifications dates back to the 14th century when the Christian nucleus was ordered to be enclosed by Don Juan Manuel. Throughout the 16th century, the walls and the castle underwent successive repairs.
From the 16th to the 17th century, Villena experienced significant economic growth, prompting the renovation and expansion of both parishes. The city expanded along the slopes of the Sierra de la Villa with steep streets and irregular blocks, while the main urban area developed on flatter land centered around Calle Mayor. The Plaza Mayor served as the link between these two populated areas, hosting markets and municipal meetings.
The Conjunto histórico-artístico is home to the majority of Villena's monuments, each narrating a chapter of the city's rich history. Let's explore some of the key landmarks that make this historic center a must-visit destination.
At the heart of Villena's historic center stands the Atalaya Castle, built by the Arabs around the 12th century. The castle features two lines of walls, with the inner one boasting a square keep with two sections. The ceilings of the first two rooms are formed by Almohad vaults, which are among the oldest of their kind in Spain. Declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1931, the castle is a testament to Villena's medieval past.
The Plaza de Santiago is the most representative urban space in Villena's historic center. This irregularly shaped square is surrounded by notable buildings such as the Gothic-style Church of Santiago, the Renaissance Municipal Palace, the 19th-century Casa Selva, and the postmodern Casa de la Cultura. Each structure adds a unique architectural flavor to the square, making it a focal point of the historic center.
Constructed in the early 16th century, the Municipal Palace initially served as an abbey house before becoming the property of the ecclesiastical chapter and later the city's council. The palace's construction is attributed to Jacobo Florentino, with possible contributions from Jerónimo Quijano. The façade and the courtyard with carpanel arches on Tuscan columns are particularly noteworthy. The palace was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1968.
The Arciprestal Church of Santiago, which began construction in the 14th century, is one of the most significant Gothic-Renaissance complexes in the Valencian Community. Its three-nave layout and twisted columns are typical of Catalan Gothic architecture but achieve greater monumentality here. In the 16th century, Renaissance elements such as the sacristy entrance, the chapter house, the baptismal font, and the two windows on the first floor of the tower were introduced. The church was declared a National Historical-Artistic Monument in 1931.
The Casa de la Familia Selva, an excellent example of 19th-century bourgeois construction, is located in the Plaza de Santiago. This three-story house-palace features a symmetrical composition, with balconies adorned with intricate ironwork on the first floor and a crowning body with an Italian Renaissance loggia. The building now houses the Museo Festero, following its purchase by the Junta Central de Fiestas.
Built on the site of a former Muslim mosque in the 16th century, the Church of Santa María has a single nave with ribbed vaults supported by pillars with attached semi-columns featuring Renaissance reliefs. The façade is framed by a Baroque portico, and the tower is comparable to that of Santiago.
The Plaza Mayor follows the tradition of Spanish main squares. Originally an open space for municipal council meetings, it saw the construction of the Almudí in its northern corner in 1560. The 19th-century fountain and semicircular pool add to its charm. The square is part of the Conjunto histórico-artístico of Villena's old town, although steps were taken in 1977 to declassify it as a Historical-Artistic Monument.
The Ermita de San Antón dates back to at least 1586 and is situated near the Plaza de Santiago. Following restoration work completed in 2006, it now serves as both a place of worship and an exhibition hall.
Located west of the Corredera, the Plaza de las Malvas features access solutions via streets adjacent to the corners. The square retains 18th-century buildings with Baroque structures and intensely colored façade coatings. The most significant building is the house-palace of the Mergelina Family, which, despite urban interventions, still exudes a Baroque flavor.
This building, located in the Plaza de las Malvas, was constructed as a manor house in the late 17th or early 18th century and currently serves as a home for the elderly. The Baroque façade showcases a meticulously composed design, rhythmically alternating openings and solid sections with curved entablatures, similar to the Municipal Palace's window by Cosme Carrer. The interior has been extensively remodeled to suit its current use, and there is a proposal to declare it a Historical Monument.
The historic center of Villena was declared a Conjunto histórico-artístico in 1968, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. As you wander through its streets, you will be transported back in time, experiencing the rich tapestry of Villena's past through its well-preserved monuments and charming urban spaces. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to explore a picturesque Spanish town, the Conjunto histórico-artístico of Villena offers a captivating journey through centuries of architectural and cultural evolution.
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