ORBA Valley area information

Orba and Orba valley information

Orba information: SITUATION

 ACCESS ROADS

DISTANCE TO THE NEARER TOWNS

 Orba information - Font de Baix

Ruin over the mountain with the same name that was a Christian fortress, constructed in the later part of C.XIII. 

Historic Beginnings:

Its prehistoric origin was an Iberian settlement, UR-OBIA “ the place where the water flows at the bottom of the mountain”. Long time after, came another town of berber origin, of Masmuda´s tribe, from North Africa. During the islamics culture, centuries have been creating its economy, based on a meticulous agriculture, whose infrastructer is still there, and an artisan transformation of its products.

In the middle of the XIII century it was conquered by Jaime I, king of Cataluña and Aragon. But he gave it to Alonso Berenguer Mercey in 1238, for helping him in the reconquest. The arms of his lineage are in the heraldic shield of the town. After some transfers and successions, in 1476, was sold to Oliva´s Count, Francisco Gilabert de Centelles; and through the family to Gandia´s Duke, Borja´s Family, which linked with other castellanas families. In 1609, the day before of the Moorish expulsion, Orba´s valley had 70 Christian houses. They are still, completely uninhabited.

Finally, after some petitions of the Crown insisting on the necessity to repopulate, the 9th of July of 1611 it was signed the chapters of the population letter. The first repopulation was made by neighbours of Pego and Murla, the second with people of Mallorca. In the middle of the XIX century was deviated the Orba´s town from the "señorio".

LATEST ORBA NEWS
Yet more restaurante changes. The Palmera has closed. El Cantaro has changed hands but is similar to before. El Portet may re-open, renovation work continues, new owners from Tasca Parcent are coming? The gas station restaurante, "Shimla" an Indian is open. Any reports? Awraba has changed hands - but not rated as highly as before. A new Fish and Chip restaurant "La Fuente" (connections with the Jalon chippie) has opened near to the Bodequeta. LEE's snackbar has live entertainment on some Thursdays. El Quixote will change hands shortly. Orbeta has two new building sites next to Forn Vell.

ORBA TODAY
Orba is located 18km (11m) inland from the Mediterranean coastal town of Denia. It lies at approximately 39deg N and is almost on the Greenwich meridian (0deg W). Orba is roughly equi-distant between Alicante and Valencia airports and it takes about one and a half hours from either by road, that is mainly on the A-7 autopista then on the N332 to Ondara and then on the CV-731. Warning - the turning for Orba is off the N332 (look for the CUEVA BENIDOLEIG signs) and immediately where the two-way road becomes one-way when travelling south. The town of Orba is situated at the head of a large fertile valley that grows mainly citrus fruit of a quality that is the best in the world. It has an altitude of about 160m above sea level and houses some 2000 residents. Most employed persons are in agriculture, the Torrens Hermanos handbag factory, or in the service and construction industries. Picturesque mountains form a backdrop and there are wide, uninterrupted, magnificent views from most villa properties. Orba is relatively unaffected by tourism and retains its Spanish agricultural identity. Yet despite this, or perhaps because of it, a significant number of English, Dutch, German and Swiss have made Orba their home town and many have integrated well with the friendly local Spaniards. The church (iglesia), situated at the plaza, was built on the site of an old mosque. It is not much to look at from the outside but the inside is a delight. There were several paintings by local artist Carlos Ruano Llopis added when the church was extended and restored in 1917. Unfortunately the ravages of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 destroyed them all except what is now the altar piece (The prophet Abraham). The bell tower (torre campanario) built earlier, around 1850, is said to have been designed by Toribio Iscar Saez who was also the architect of the unsuccessful dam (known as Isbert’s folly) in the Barranc I’Infern near Fleix. The bell gallery is faced with yellow Tosca sandstone and holds 3 bells, La Grosa 108cm 729Kgs east (1917), La Menuda 70cm 198Kgs north (1941) and La Mitjana 90cm 422Kg south (1978). The earlier bells were made by Manual Roses Vidal and La Mitjana by Salvador Manclus both being from Valencia. You will never hear them rung in harmony. The tower also houses the town clock and the bells strike on the quarters and on the hour, which is repeated after a short interval (to confuse the devil or to give you a second chance to count the strikes – take your pick). Orba is now a small town and Orbeta, which is a few minutes walk away, is its satellite village. Anglican services Every Sun 9.45 at Ermita tel. John Harding 965 587 150. There are several urbanisations on the outskirts and these are adequately covered by the numerous selling agencies for properties. If you are property hunting why not start with - http://www.pereto-grupo.es/ingles/principal.php
If you need to translate try www.freetranslation.com

ORBA WEATHER
The climate of the Costa Blanca is considered to be one of the most healthy in the world by the World Health Organisation. The weather is almost perfect for holidays. Daily temperatures are in the upper 30C's (90F's) in July and August with 11 hours sunshine (some might say that it is too hot). Even in midwinter 20C (68F) is commonplace with an average of 6 hours of sun. Humidity is usually low. The driest months are Jun,Jul,Aug. The wettest (on average 4in/100mm or above) are Nov,Dec,May with Apr,Sep,Oct close by. Almost any month can be exceptionally dry. Rain usually comes for a week or ten days in October/November and for short periods through the winter until May. As Orba is surrounded by mountains it can on occasions attract clouds. In this case try going to the coast where it can be clearer. Orbeta rainfall statistics were available on the “Venta del Vi” noticeboard. Despite the attractive climate some of us still manage to get bitten by the odd mosquito (not the dangerous type) but never-the-less still very uncomfortable. Take vitamin B1 (or Marmite) to make you less susceptible.

PLACES TO EAT IN ORBA (Restaurante)
No information changes more quickly than this topic. You will soon make up your own mind as to what suits you best. Here is an overview. All we will say is that enjoyable meals have been had at all of these places but that is no guarantee for the future. Most restaurants offer a basic MENU DEL DIA that is a complete meal for as little as 8€ - 13€ (thank you Franco), although you can push the boat out and spend two or three times that much on local a-la-carte. At busy fiesta times and on days when some restaurants are closed it is advisable to book in advance. At LA PLACA (www.orbahostalplaza.com) which is also a hostal with rooms and Wi-Fi is situated at the main square, Sr.Vicente Escales will offer you a warm welcome and a good meal. AWRABA, one of the ancient Moorish ways of spelling Orba, is on Calle Mayor and and has an additional al fresco area for the summer. The DES ARCADES is now Jock’s Bar with good reports. EL QUIJOTE is just out of the village on the Benidoleig road and has entertainment on some evenings . The satellite village of Orbeta, a short evening stroll away, offers a further three restaurants. The FORN VELL, (converted from an old ceramic oven look for the curved remains) is run by an English family, with Benidorm catering experience, and has reflected this theme with their popular meal nights, and live music on some evenings. Close by is the VENTA DEL VI run by Jesus. The SANCHO PANZA (currently up for sale)is situated adjacent to the Forn Vell and offers a more exclusive cuisine and ambience served to you by Madeline from Rudi’s kitchen. If you have a vehicle with you then you could go to the top of Carrer Azagador hill to the EL CANTARO – a Valencian drinking vessel.– has now changed hands. If you want to drive out of the village. The gas station now has the "Shimla" Indian restaurant. ALCALALI offers numerous restaurants as do JALON, BENIDOLEIG and PARCENT. The nearby TORMOS restaurante is traditional Spanish, good at lunchtime and well worth a try for entertainment on Saturday night. Maybe you just fancy a coffee and a snack. On the Calle Mayor you will find EL CARRER which has an Internet and phone facility and next door CENTRAL PERK (just changed hands now Simon & Marie), whilst at the plaza there is BAR ESCALES (run by Alex ex-the Venta). There is an English bar called CHEERS run by Heather and Joan (near to DAZI’s on Avenida des Americas). A further bar called CAL XON is just out of the village near to the John Deere NATURA newsagents, stamps and gift shop and across the road LEE's snackbar with live entertainment on some Thursdays.

SHOPPING IN ORBA (tienda)
Most of ones needs can be bought, or satisfied, locally in a shop in Orba. There are two small supermarkets, the Spanish SUPER MARIBEL and the larger CHARTER as well as CODAYAMA specialising in English goods and several smaller shops offering household goods and foods. Try the BODEGUETA for wines, liquors, beers, honey, teas. Snr Julio BALLESTER will give you good service for your entertainment and white goods needs. There are two builders merchants MARORBA and DAZI, two metalwork (carpenteria metalica) workshops (Snrs PAYA & MIRALLES) and a wood window and door maker. There is also a glazier (at the PERELLO shop, Avenida des Americas) for things like that broken window or glass shelf in the fridge.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ORBA
The major entertainment in Orba centres around the bars, and the fiestas are the highlights of the village year. The biggest fiestas are the 4 day weekend in May and the week long fiesta at the end of July into August. There is a smaller fiesta in Orbeta in June. Bull-running (bous al carrer) is the main activity in June and July. If you are tempted to join in then be very careful - the bulls, or to be more precise cows, may be small but they are very quick and agile, their horns are long and sharp and can do you serious damage. Paella cooking competitions, bike racing round the village and dressed carts, or floats, are all topped off to the sounds of the Orba Band. Modern Spanish pop bands pass away the early hours of the mornings at fiesta time. Hardly a month goes by when there is not a religious fiesta day with parades in the streets. Some of the most moving sights are the processions at Easter time but those in Orba are nothing to what one might see in cities like Salamanca. All fiestas have firework displays that make our Bonfire night look like a damp squib event, which it usually is being in dull November. The nearby villages of Tormos, Sagra, Sanet y Negrals, Rafol, Benidoleig and Beniarbeig, Fleix, Campell, Benimaurell and Murla also hold similar events so if you miss the Orba ones look out for those. Christmas is not celebrated in the same way as the English do it. The Spanish big day is the evening of January 5th for the Epiphany or Three Kings day, (rather than Christmas) when the Kings, who can arrive on horseback, distribute presents to the children of the village at the plaza, calling them up one at a time. New Years Eve is also well celebrated but you will need to book early if you want a meal.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE NEARBY
There are a few nearby events that you should try and see if they are happening when you are there. DENIA holds its own version of bull-running (Bous al mar) which is perhaps less cruel than the norm. Staging is erected in the form of a square with one side being the quay to the harbour. The brave (or foolish) ones try to entice the bull to fall, or be pulled into the sea. The aficionados stand on the quay waiting for the bull to charge. They then attempt to grab a horn at the very last second so as to pull the bull into the sea. This is a somewhat risky but amusing spectacle as lines of youths systematically dive into the water. The bull usually wins, but should he happen to fall in, he is gently led back to the shore by a boat. The Moors and Christians troupes of Alcoy hold the biggest processions of their kind in Spain (23rd April). The costumes, spectacle, noise and atmosphere are electric, something to be seen and never forgotten. At FONTILLES in mid-October on a Sunday daytime they hold a smaller repeat version, primarily for the patients in the sanatorium. A Medieval Market is held in ONDARA every November and a similar event in BENISSA in early February. Street entertainers, people in costume, crafts, trades and wares are there in abundance. If you are a mountain walker see CBNews around p46 or try these sites http://personales.ya.com/mawalks/ or http://www.dip-alicante.es/medioambiente/senderos/

For further information on Orba - history (moors, moriscos,mozarabic), natural history (flowers,birds,butterflies,moths,insects, nasties), ancient land measures (hanegada, braza), walks, pigeons, Carlos Ruano Llopis, Cristobal Zaragoza (artists), leprosy, Orba ranch, see sister site www.webspawner.com/users/portzed2/index.php
For Spains history see http://www.sispain.org/english/history/ Santana Books "The Story of Spain" by Mark Williams
courtesy of Bryan stokes

Orba valley and surrounding villages

Sanet y Negrals information. Sanet y Negrals is a town situated only a fifteen minute drive from Dénia. It has a wealth of history with its roots linking back to the Moorish invasion. Sanet water is renowned for its purity. Set in a beautifully tranquil location, it has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Sanet has many excellent public facilities, such as a public swimming pool, public library and college.

Sagra, one of the last bastions of the Moors prior to their expulsion in 1609 and the re-population of the area with farmers from Mallorca. The village to this day still maintains it’s Moorish architectural influence with narrow streets and alleys, sat at the foot of the ´Monte Caval`, appropriately named as it’s twin peaks resemble a horses ears.

Rafol de almunia area information.

Rafol de Almunia is a traditional Spanish inland town situated at only 20 minutes drive from Javea & Denia, the town provides many services including local shopping centres, medical facilities, and most important the town is home to some of the finest gastronomy this part of Spain can offer with fantastic valley views and a new swimming pool and superb comunial outdoor BBQ area, rafol de almunia is traditional spanish village with much to offer. Villas for sale in rafol de almunia are much sought after. Property sales in Rafol de almunia have been on the increase with the towns new facilities and the location to the motorway and major beaches.

Pego area information: If you climb up the Figuereta you can see Pego's magnificent orchard area as the town is surrounded by an orange and green mantel; the marshes and the elegant tower of the Church of the Assumption can also been seen.This was an important town during the period of the Taifa of Dénia, and after Al-Azraq's uprising it became a royal domain and finally ended up as a property of the Duke of Gandía, who was part to the Borgia family. The War of the Spanish Succession destroyed its surrounding walls and 16 towers, although a few vestiges still remain. Pego's most emblematic monument is the Church of the Assumption with a beautiful triptych and a bell tower topped with small canons.The town has traditionally been associated with growing rice, though its proximity to Valencia has encouraged the growing of citrus fruits to the detriment of rice. Travel from the town hall square around the corner to view the Portal de Sala, the only remaining entrance gate to the old walled town that is still standing.

Pego also boasts a cultural centre and two museums; one of contemporary art, and the other an ethnological museum showing historic photos and tools for rice cultivation and other traditional trades.

The sturdy bell-tower of the church of the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion is the symbol of Pego. The traditional hourly chimes of the church bells inform field-workers of the time. The church houses treasures such as the altar piece of Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza and other marvels. Situated around the church square are restaurants and bars offering traditional Mediterranean cuisine; paellas made with rice from the paddy fields, fresh fish and shellfish, tapas - all served with great wines and desserts made from locally picked fruit.

Visit the church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion and you will find the town hall or 'Ayuntamiento' of Pego, housed in a manor house. It is unique in that it has an underground corridor open to foot traffic which leads to the Plaza Del Portxins. Recent elections have installed a new Mayor for Pego who promises to continue support for the amazing fiestas and festivals that makes Pego stand out from the crowd. Co-ordinate your visit around fiesta times and you will not be disappointed at the sheer scale of the firework displays; the lavishness of the costumes and the never-ending enthusiasm and involvement from the Pego residents.

Pego also has a strong and proud sporting history.

Facilities in the town include; two grass football pitches; an athletics club; a tennis club; new gymnasium; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; cycling clubs; hiking; mountain climbing; fishing and much, much more. Golf enthusiasts will not be disappointed either. On Pego's doorstep is the new and beautiful Oliva Nova 18-hole golf course, or for a change, just take a 20 minute drive and play a round on the golf courses of the North Costa Blanca at Javea or Denia.

Pedreguer information. Pedreguer is a typical agricultural village located at the foot of the Muntanya Gran. The village is surrounded by abundant farming land on which fruits and vegetables are grown. The village also specializes in the manufacturing of bags, hats and leather goods. This is an original village - many of the façades of the houses are painted in vivid colours, which give the village a lively appearance. The village has several modernist buildings and on the Plaza Mayor is a structure entitled 'Porxens' where the market is held. Some beautiful police houses can be seen next to the Church, which is opposite the market.

Benidoleig information: Benidoleig is a small farming village with 783 inhabitants located at the foot of the Sierra de Seguili. It is a peaceful village with steep windy streets with views of the surrounding vines and almond and olive trees - the main economic activity of the village. The Calaveras (skulls) Cave is the attraction of the village. The cave obtained its name from the 12 skulls that were found in its interior when it was discovered in 1768. Cavanilles established that these were the skulls of Moors who had died during earlier explorations of the caves. Bronze and Neolithic remains have also been discovered in the cave. A 400 metres passage inside the cave ends up at an interior lake.

Benichembla has one of the lowest altitudes of the villages in Alicante province. It is situated on level ground at the foot of the Cavall Verd Sierra, next to the Xaló/Gorgos River as it flows between the Cavall Verd and el Carrascal de Parcent sierras. Though Castell de Castells is the leading village of the Valle del Pop, Benichembla is the first village with typical 'valley' agriculture: vines and citrus fruits are grown and grapes are left to dry in the ancient 'rius-raus' (drying houses). The raisins are then sent to Dénia to be shipped all over Europe. The village is built on flat ground at the foot of the Sierra del Cavall Verd and is mainly involved in growing citrus fruit.

Beniarbeig information. Beniarbeig is a rich and prosperous agricultural village, mainly growing citrus fruits, though an industrial estate has recently been opened. Beniarbeig enjoys a privileged geographical position and its prosperous economy has ensured that it is one of the largest villages in the area (1,191 inhabitants). It is located next to the Girona River that flows between the province of Valencia and the Racons ravine. The parish church, the school opposite and the old Ayuntamiento are some of the architectural features of note.

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