Ontilles: History and Hiking Trails

Ontilles combines the history of the Sanatorio San Francisco de Borja with architectural remains in the Fontilles valley and two described trails. In this way, the medical past, historic architecture, and specific route details come together in a shared portrait of the area.

Culture and History

The Sanatorio San Francisco de Borja opened in 1909 to care for people suffering from leprosy. The institution played a fundamental role in eliminating leprosy in Spain and remains a reference centre for leprosy training and research. The year, historical purpose, and present-day function form an unusually clear connection here.

The buildings, wall, fields, and valley landscape of the Fontilles valley are material evidence of personal and communal life stories, as well as of Spain’s social, political, medical, and cultural history. Thus, not only individual buildings but also the surrounding areas and landscape form part of this historical context. The ensemble therefore brings together different historical points of reference: the medical institution, the church at the entrance, and the preserved parts of Castillo de Azabras.

At the entrance to the sanatorium is the Església Sanatori de Fontilles. The church is dedicated to San Francisco de Borja, the founder of the Jesuit order, and features a Neoclassical façade in the style of an altarpiece. Its location at the entrance, dedication, and façade design establish it as an independent element within the historic ensemble.

The remains of Castillo de Azabras include sections of the wall, the remains of a square tower, and a cistern. Castillo de Azabras in Fontilles is open to visitors. These architectural elements give the castle ruins a clearly distinguishable form and show which components make up their surviving structure.

Hiking Trails

The officially approved SL-CV 185.1 Variante Barranco de Fontilles is a 1.30-kilometre linear trail. It begins at Plaza del Sanatorio de Fontilles and leads from the Sanatorio de Fontilles along an old path to Puerta de Orba. The route type, length, starting point, and endpoint are each clearly specified.

In addition, the SL-CV 185 Sender de les Atzavares hiking trail leads to the Sanatorio de Fontilles. The two route descriptions emphasise different aspects: SL-CV 185.1 focuses on the route type, length, starting point, and endpoint, while the SL-CV 185 Sender de les Atzavares description states that it leads to the Sanatorio de Fontilles.

During a guided visit to the Sanatorio de Fontilles, its history and healthcare administration were discussed; conversations were also held with former leprosy patients.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Ontilles, travel dates, room category, and cancellation conditions provide the practical framework.

Other places: Pinoso, Javea, Tangel, Orxeta, Algorfa, La Canalosa, Benilloba, Benifato.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.