Requena: Wine, History and Culture

Requena can be discovered through the Fiesta de la Vendimia: its first edition took place in 1948, and it was awarded the honorary title “Fiesta de Interés Turístico”.

Culture and History

The Museo de la Fiesta de la Vendimia opened on 26 August 2013 in a recently renovated building at Calle Santa María 41. It displays the clothing, traditions and history of the festival.

The Barrio de la Villa was built between the 8th and 13th centuries during the period of the Caliphate of Córdoba. In 1966, it was classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Site. The district, dating from the Islamic period, comprises defensive walls, towers, a castle, several entrance gates, stone arches and cobbled streets.

The visitor route through Las Cuevas de la Villa includes 22 caves covering an area of approximately 1,200 square metres. The caves were used as grain silos; some were used as ossuaries until the beginning of the 19th century. However, their main use was the production and storage of wine. During the tour of the cellar cave, traditional winemaking equipment can be seen.

The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari dates from the late 13th century and was extensively enlarged in the 18th century. It features Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements.

Wine and Regional Cuisine

The Bodegas Sierra Norte wineries in Requena are located in the Calderón area. Bodegas Sierra Norte offers guided tours during which experts explain the wine-making process step by step.

There are also wine tastings accompanied by local products such as cured meats, cheese and chocolate. The “De la cepa a la copa” experience includes a visit to the vineyard, a tasting of five wines and AOVE in the vineyard, as well as a guided tour of the winery.

The “Enoturismo Experience” includes a tasting of wine, cava and a selection of cured meats at two renowned wineries in Requena. It also includes a meal at a restaurant in Requena featuring typical regional dishes or meat dishes.

Landscape and Trails

The Poblado Ibérico de la Muela de Arriba is an archaeological site located on a hill, offering views and the remains of a fortified settlement.

The “De Requena a Ayora” route begins in Requena and passes through Utiel, Caudete de las Fuentes, Villargordo del Cabriel, Venta del Moro, Cofrentes, Jalance, Jarafuel and Zarra. A single archaeological site and a route featuring several place names offer different focuses for personal planning.

Another place in the selection is Casas Del Río. The further selection of places includes Almussafes, Riba-Roja De Túria, La Pobla Del Duc, Cortes De Pallás, Benagéber, Navalón and Rocafort.

When comparing holiday apartments in Requena, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the offer pages.

Cultural Programme

The Iglesia de Santa María hosts concerts, sacred music cycles and major exhibitions.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.