Elche, Medieval municipality in Alicante province, Spain
Elche is a municipality in Alicante province in southeastern Spain, surrounded by mountains and extensive palm groves. The streets run through residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and green corridors where date palms cast shadows over sidewalks and squares.
The settlement began in Iberian times and was later named Ilici by the Romans, serving as a trading post. During the Middle Ages, Arab settlers introduced new irrigation techniques and planted the first date palm groves that still shape the town today.
The Mystery Play has been performed inside the church since medieval times, combining religious tradition with music and stage machinery. The audience sits among the performers as angels float through the nave on platforms and liturgical chants fill the space.
The airport lies a few kilometers to the west and offers connections to European cities, while regional trains link the town to the coast. Most points of interest sit in the center and can be reached on foot or by bus.
The irrigation channels in the palm grove follow routes laid out as early as the 9th century and still carry water to the trees. Some of the oldest palms date from that period and still bear fruit on warm days, sold at local markets.
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