Banyeres de Mariola
CASTLE FORTRESS
The castle is of Almohad origin and was built at the end of the 12th century at an altitude of 830 metres. It has witnessed several wars. It sheltered the population fleeing from the attacks and fires that the town suffered several times. The loyalty shown to Felipe V in this war was rewarded with the title of noble, faithful, loyal and royal town, which currently appears on the municipality’s coat of arms.
SANT JORDI MONUMENT
It is located at the foot of the Castle and was built to commemorate the place where the old chapel of Sant Jordi, the oldest in Banyeres, was located.
This chapel was also known as “The Conjuror” due to the ability of the Saint to ward off storms and evils in response to the prayers of the population.
The current monument is located on a viewpoint with views of the mountains, which allows visitors to admire the natural environment that surrounds the municipality.
HERMITAGE OF SANT JORDI
In this Hermitage we can find the patron of Banyeres. It’s a small neogothic chapel, curiously located on top of the old cemetery of the town, which was in use until 1893.
CHURCH OF SANTA MARÍA
It is the main church in the town, built in 1752 in the Baroque style and located in the Plaça Major.
Its interior is in the shape of a Latin cross and part of its ashlars form part of the church located at the foot of the castle.
HERMITAGE OF SANTA MARÍA MAGDALENA
It is one of the oldest buildings in Banyeres of rural Gothic style. Various acts in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene are held here, such as fairs, fire runs, processions.
TOWER FONT BONA
This 16th century tower is unknown which family it belongs to, but the building is characterized as a “huerta building”, possibly belonging to a low noble family, possibly that of a Cavallero, associated with agricultural properties and the communication route between Bocairent and Banyeres.
HERMITAGE OF SANT CRISTO
This neogothic chapel has importance because different eucharists are celebrated there.
On the way to the chapel, we find the Way of the Cross, and this religious practice is held every Friday during Lent. On April 25th, the last day of the Moors and Christians festivals, the population have lunch here and the captains of each parade for the following year are appointed.
RECREATIONAL AREAS
Molí de l’Ombria
Molí l’Ombria is a local spot with an area with multiple picnic tables, a children’s playground and a cyclo-cross circuit. The camping area is equipped with showers and toilets, a drinking water fountain and a cooking area.In the area we can find pools of water in which tourists and neighbors of the population bathe in summer, in addition to different routes that begin at this point.
ROUTES
Route of the mills
The Mills Route is a route that links the three most emblematic paper mills in Banyeres de Mariola of the nine that were active on the Vinalopó river between the 18th and 20th centuries. Most of the inhabitants of Banyeres de Mariola worked in these constructions for several centuries.
Penya la Blasca
La Blasca is one of the most emblematic mountains in Banyeres at 1,119 metres. The route to its summit starts from the Molí de l’Ombría, and along the way we can find lush vegetation and privileged views.
Route of the viewpoints
It is a route with little ascent and distance. It is suitable for almost everyone. The route starts at the Molí de l’Ombria recreational area and the highest peak is the Serra de la Fontanella. It passes through resources such as the Font del Teularet and the Cueva de la Serrella, and has impressive views of Banyeres and the Serra Mariola.