Cocentaina, Medieval municipality in Comtat region, Spain
Cocentaina is a municipality in Alicante province situated on elevated terrain between Serra de Mariola national park and the Serpis river. The town preserves medieval structures and is shaped by a long tradition of textile manufacturing that remains central to its economy.
The settlement was the capital of a Muslim territory in the 11th century until its conquest by Jaime I in 1258. After later destruction by forces from Granada, the town was rebuilt and maintained its regional importance.
The Palace of the Counts displays Gothic features with a military tower and halls decorated with tiles showing scenes from Valencia's conquest. These spaces tell the story of medieval power and regional history through their architecture and ornaments.
The terrain is moderately hilly, so wearing comfortable shoes helps when exploring the town at a leisurely pace. The location has good road connections to larger nearby cities, making arrival straightforward for most visitors.
A locally-run restaurant holds a Michelin star, drawing visitors who seek excellent cooking in a small-town setting. This recognition is unusual for a place of this size and reflects the culinary passion of those who work there.
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