Javea: The Historical And Modern City

Javea is a picturesque seaport situated next to and under Montgo Hill, surrounded by the rolling forests of a beautiful National Park. Protected by the winter trade-winds, Javea enjoys an almost perfect climate year-round. However, the history of this grown-up fishing village is rather turbulent and bloody, it is also well kept and ingrained within the very city itself.

The History Of Javea

Like most towns in the Costa Blanca region, Javea’s origins can be traced back to the very beginning of written history. Over time it grew in size and during the Roman age it became a very important center for trade and cultural exchange. The fall of the Roman Empire spawned a seemingly never-ending parade of conquerors. The first to take the city were the Visigoths in the 6th century. Christian monks of that time founded many cathedrals and basilicas across the region including the monastery of San Martin. In 714, death and destruction again visited the city, this time in the form of the Moors. The Moors ruled for several centuries until they themselves were pushed out by the Spanish Reconquista. The last of the Moorish community were expelled in 1609 but traces of their heritage can still be seen around the city.

Modern Javea

The bloody and violent history left many monuments from many societies that create an eclectic charm to the modern city. One area, called the Old Town by locals, is situated nearly 3 km in-shore as a safeguard against pirates that once attempted to sack and loot the riches of the monastery and the town. The Gothic Church of Saint Bartolome from the 16th century is a grand sight that stands majestically in the Old Town district and a market that sells fresh ingredients and fish is located across the street. There are also numerous bars and cafes lining the narrow streets that twist and turn their way around the church and through the Old Town. Be sure to visit the historical museum Soler Blasco on Primicias Street before leaving the area.

Other than the Old Town, there are two other areas of note within the city; the port and the Playa de Arenal. The port has various restaurants serving traditional Mediterranean dishes. Most of the eateries are situated on a terrace that overlooks the bay and offers beautiful views with the delicious meals. The Playa De Arenal is a white-sand beach lined with shops and restaurants of all types. The promenade follows the ocean and features many open-air shops and bars. Javea has a long and eventful history that is still evident in the remaining architecture. The old city blended with the new makes a beautiful backdrop for any vacation. Javea’s many roads and trains connect it to the rest of the country and make the city easily accessible and very popular.

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