Callosa De Segura – Mountains, History and Culture

Callosa De Segura combines a protected mountain range with churches, museums and recurring cultural traditions. Nature, architectural history, collections and event dates offer a range of ways to spend your stay.

Sierra de Callosa: Landscape and Activities

The Sierra de Callosa is protected as a municipal nature park and covers just under 150 hectares. This rugged limestone massif rises from an alluvial plain and shapes the surrounding landscape. The recreation areas of La Pilarica and La Cueva Ahumada have facilities including parking, toilets, picnic areas, springs, tables, children's play areas, educational trails and accessible areas. As facilities may change, check conditions before your visit.

The Vía Ferrata de Callosa de Segura is on the southeastern side of the Sierra, within the municipality of Callosa De Segura. It opened to the public in February 2020 and is free to use. The first section is graded K3 and is designed as an introductory or family section. From the car park at La Cueva Ahumada Nature Park, a marked access trail leads to the family section in approximately 15 minutes; the trail sections to the access point are signposted. Check the technical access requirements before using it.

Castle, Churches and Architectural History

The ruins of Castillo de Callosa stand on the Sierra de Callosa, on a rocky summit about 200 metres high. They date from the Caliphate period and go back to the year 961. Because of its origins, Castillo is considered the oldest castle in the province of Alicante.

The Iglesia Arciprestal de San Martín brings together Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The main construction work was completed in 1553. Inside, there are 18 Corinthian columns, and the three naves are of equal height. The church was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument by Royal Decree 2865/1980 of 14 November.

The Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores also tells the story of the town: it was founded in the early 17th century as a chapel for the former municipal hospital, which has since disappeared. The Camarín retains 18th-century Valencian floor tiles depicting the allegory of the source of wisdom. The Santuario de San Roque stands on a hill 50 metres high. From there, you can take in the Balcón de la Vega Baja panorama; the interior is accessible during services.

Museums and Local Culture

Founded in 1980, the Museo Arqueológico Antonio Ballester y Ruiz presents the history of Callosa De Segura from prehistoric times to the present. The town's significant prehistoric heritage includes the Bronze Age El Argar culture, dating from 1,800 to 1,200 BC, and the Laderas del Castillo archaeological site.

The Museo del Cáñamo Roque Fco Albert Lucas explores the entire hemp cycle: from sowing and cultivation to processing into yarn, ropes, nets and espadrilles. Demonstrations show traditional processing methods. Hemp cultivation and the use of its fibres have a tradition in Callosa De Segura stretching back more than eight centuries and are recognised as an asset of cultural interest and intangible heritage.

The Museo de Semana Santa José Noguera Valverde displays 25 processional floats belonging to 17 local brotherhoods. An upper-level walkway allows visitors to view the floats from above. The Holy Week processions and religious events are organised by 15 local brotherhoods and religious communities. On Good Friday, the living Stations of the Cross begin at the Capilla de San Francisco, follow Calle Vía Crucis to Calvario and include a dramatised reading of the Holy Gospel.

Festivals and Traditional Dishes

La Pasión is a religious auto sacramental. In 1969, the play was performed in its modern form by the local amateur theatre group Agrupación Artística. It has been staged every year since 1969 during Holy Week, in various locations around the town; in 1982, it was awarded the designation of an event of tourist interest. Exact performance dates may vary.

Porta Celi: La Puerta del Cielo has been performed every year in November since 2011. The play consists of seven scenes and is performed by more than 50 actors from the patronage; check the exact dates before your trip. The patronage festivals in honour of San Roque take place annually from 5 to 16 August. Here, too, it is a good idea to confirm the dates in advance. The Moors and Christians festivals began in 1977. They commemorate the Reconquista and include parades in which participants are divided into Moorish and Christian groups and wear medieval-inspired clothing. Check the programme for your travel dates.

Traditional dishes in Callosa De Segura include Arroz con costra, Bacalao meneao, Cocido con pelotas and Almojábanas. They add a culinary insight into local traditions to visits to the landscape, buildings and museums.

Planning Your Visit

Callosa De Segura railway station offers daily Cercanías connections to Alicante and Murcia. Check the timetable before travelling. By car, you can reach the town via the A-7, exit 79, and then the CV-900. Routes from the town lead to the La Pilarica and La Cueva Ahumada recreation areas. Road conditions and signage may change; check them before driving.

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