Discover Bocairent: Rock History, Museums and Nature

Bocairent combines striking cultural sites with the landscapes of the Sierra de Mariola. The Plaza de Toros is the oldest bullring in the Comunitat Valenciana and is largely carved into the natural rock.

Open the other local pages via Masalavés, Aras De Los Olmos, La Font D'en Carròs, Cofrentes, Barx, Albalat Dels Taronchers, La Pobla Del Duc and Corbera.

Culture and History

A guided tour of the Covetes dels Moros takes one hour. Access is difficult and is not suitable for people with claustrophobia or a fear of heights. The historic centre of Bocairent is a pedestrian zone; parking is available on C/ Batalla de Lepanto and at Joaquin Sorolla.

The history of the Monasterio rupestre includes a rock chamber that was sealed in 1700. A second monastery was subsequently established before the present-day monastery was built in 1902. The Monasterio rupestre also includes an old underground monastery carved into the rock. The Iglesia Parroquial was built over the former Arab fortress.

The Museo de Oficios y Costumbres presents ethnographic collections relating to textiles, agriculture and activities in the mountainous region, as well as the customs of Bocairent. The Museo Festero documents the tradition of the Moors and Christians with costumes, festival programmes, scores and material from nine groups.

The Museo Paleontológico features depictions of human evolution, life-size dinosaur reconstructions and fossils from numerous groups. The exhibits at the Museo Arqueológico Municipal date from the Upper Palaeolithic through well into the Middle Ages; most come from archaeological sites in the municipality of Bocairent.

The Museo Parroquial de Bocairent houses one of the most important collections of religious art in the Comunitat Valenciana. The artists mentioned include Joan de Joanes, Joaquín Sorolla, Ribalta, Segrelles and Mariano Benlliure. The collection of the Museo Antonio Ferri is divided into three thematic areas; the museum permanently displays works by the painter Antonio Ferri, which were bequeathed to Bocairent because of his personal connection with the municipality.

Las Danzas, also known as Dansa, Dansa Plana, Xàquera Vella, Ball Pla or Ball de Plaça, are considered Bocairent’s oldest and most vibrant folklore tradition. They have been documented since the beginning of the 17th century and take place from 23 to 27 August.

Nature and Trails

The Senda de la Font dels Teulars passes through fertile agricultural land, by springs and centuries-old holm oaks, and then reaches the Sierra de Mariola. The La Font de Mariola recreation area near Bocairent is one of the recreational facilities in the Serra de Mariola Natural Park.

The Vía Verde del Xixarra is a 42-kilometre walking railway trail between Biar and Alcoi; the 10-kilometre section between Bocairent and Agres is paved. Different route lengths can be compared directly here.

Cuisine

Bocairent’s cuisine is strongly influenced by the Sierra de Mariola. Typical dishes include Mariola-style gazpacho, peppers stuffed with rice, known as bajoques farcides, Puchero, Olleta, Borra, Pericana, various rice dishes and cured meats.

A traditional liqueur from Bocairent is made from sweet and dry anise and flavoured with various herbs from the Sierra.

For the overarching travel overview: Valencia.