Beniatjar

Poulation: 224 hab. Municipal area: 11,53 km2 Altitude: 417 m. Demonym: beniatgí, beniatgina Town Hall Phone no.: 96 235 81 50 Web: www.beniatjar.es E-mail: beniatjar_alc@gva.es

BENIATJAR

MONUMENTS Parish of Our Lady of the Incarnation

Dates back from the seventeenth century, specifically from 1689, although since 2005 it has lived a process of integral restoration that has allowed to recover structural and ornamental elements that had been lost over time. The bell tower has two bodies with a finish.

Carbonera Castle

It is an ancient Andalusian castle located on a rocky hill on the northern slope of the Benicadell mountain range, of which only conserves remains of the walls, some tower that served as a buttress and the cistern. Of all these, the best preserved walls are on the north face. It is built with limestone, according to the technique of masonry lacked, looking for the flat face and even slightly worked. It had a great importance in the thirteenth century,

when the castles of the Vall d’Albaida exercised their dominance over different farmhouses; to that of Carbonera belonged Bèlgida, Otos, Beniatjar, El Ràfol de Salem or Salem, among others. According to Abel Soler, the Mozarabic place-name refers to the exploitation of forest resources (coal production). In 1287 it was awarded, together with that of Rugat, to Bernat de Bellvís (sg. Escolano). As early as 1339, the castle was destroyed. (Source of Caixa Ontinyent).

Route of the Cid and the Castle of Carbonera

Spectacular route of extreme beauty and uniqueness that passes through the shadow of the Benicadell (emblematic mountain called “Peña Cadiella” in the “Cantar del Mio Cid”). Carbonera Castle was an Arab fortress that was conquered and recaptured by Rodrigo Días de Vivar from where it guarded and controlled the four cardinal points.

Calvario

It is located in the highest part of the village and offers spectacular views of the Vall d’Albaida. It is located on the platform where an old watchtower (the Castellet) was located, of which today only traces remain on the ground. The 19thcentury Calvary stations were destroyed in 1936, and later reclaimed in 1989, in the tricentenary of the construction of the church building. In it was a huge pine tree that was the emblem of the municipality on its shield, and was felled after the Civil War. Today it is found, already grown a specimen of the same species.

Moors Bridge

Unique area and recreational area where there is an old small bridge that served to wade through the ravine.

Nevera

Spectacular snow pit located in the heart of the Benicadell mountain range, near the summit.

FESTIVITIES

Week before Easter (Pain Week): Septenary to Our Lady de los Dolores, with a wealth of singing and liturgical, which has been held untimely at least since 1688. Saturday closer to March 25: feast in honor of Our Lady de la Encarnación, patron saint of the municipality with popular “cassoletes” (a typical dish) on the street. Holy Tuesday: the Salpassà Second day of Easter: Collection of oil for Mr. Priest. Last week of August: Patron Saint Feasts in honor to San Roque, Stm. Christ of the Consuelo, the Assumption and the Divine Aurora. ‘Puente de la Purísima’: Saint Cecilia Feast, celebrated by the Musical Society December 25: Aguinaldo’s Feast

EXCURSIONS It is part of itinerary no. 4 of the routes through the Vall d’Albaida.

• Les Fontetes • Moors Bridge

LOCAL PRODUCTS

• Olive Oil of high quality

TELEPHONES OF INTEREST

Town Hall: 96 235 81 50

LINKS OF INTEREST

www.beniatjar.es