Ontinyent, Municipality in Vall d'Albaida, Spain
Ontinyent sits at 382 meters (1,250 feet) elevation on the right bank of the Clariano River in Valencia province, ringed by mountains. The town stretches along the riverbed with a compact layout featuring traditional architecture that reflects its layered past.
The settlement originated as a Muslim community in the 11th century and was later transformed into a Christian city during the Reconquista. The Church of Santa Maria was built directly on the foundations of a former mosque, marking this cultural transition.
The Moors and Christians festival each August fills the streets with traditional parades and costumes that reflect the town's medieval past. Locals actively participate in these processions, keeping alive the memory of this pivotal period.
The town is well connected to Valencia and Alicante through regular train and bus services, making it easy to reach. The Monday market brings locals together to browse and buy fresh regional products, offering a genuine look at daily community life.
Pou Clar is a series of natural pools carved into the riverbed of the Clariano over countless centuries, forming deep basins perfect for swimming. These rock formations offer a refreshing escape during hot weather, shaped entirely by water erosion rather than human intervention.
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