Discover Ondara: architecture and local traditions

Ondara’s history can be explored through its different facets: from neoclassical and Neo-Mudéjar architecture to festive traditions, pilota valenciana and traces of irrigation culture. If you’re looking for hotels in Ondara, these themes can help you plan your trip. First, decide whether you’d like to focus mainly on architecture, local history, a November festival or rural routes.

Architecture and historic buildings

Casa del Mayorazgo is protected as a property of special cultural interest. The Ferrando family had the building constructed in the first half of the 19th century with neoclassical elements. The Convento de Mínimos represents a different phase of construction: it was built in the first half of the 17th century and has a central cloister.

Església de Santa Anna has a Latin-cross floor plan; its main nave is covered by a barrel vault. Its interior paintings are by Salvador Gil Camarena. The floor plan describes the shape of the church, while the barrel vault forms the ceiling of the main nave. The Plaza de Toros is a Neo-Mudéjar building inaugurated in 1901. The neoclassical elements of the Casa and the Neo-Mudéjar architecture of the Plaza represent two distinct design approaches.

History and finding your way around

Torre del Rellotge serves as a museum and interpretive space dedicated to local history. The Llavador was inaugurated in 1950 and served as a washhouse. It used running water from an irrigation system fed by a diversion from the weir. Today, the Llavador permanently displays photographs and posters about its past. The irrigation systems developed in Ondara during Muslim rule also remain in place today.

The “Coneix Ondara” project provides information and audio guides, accessible via QR codes, at twelve local points of interest. The audio guides are available in Valencian, Spanish, English and German. If you plan to use the audio guides, check their current availability before your trip.

Fira de Novembre and pilota valenciana

The Fira de Novembre is a traditional popular festival dating back to 1690; it takes place in November. A medieval fair is also held on the first festival weekend. A food fair is held at the Prado on festival weekends; the programme may vary. If you’re travelling to Ondara for the Fira, check the specific dates and current programme in advance.

Pilota valenciana is another part of the local culture. Various forms of the sport are played at Ondara’s Trinquet: escala i corda, raspall, pilota grossa and rebotet. These different formats offer a specific point of reference if you’re interested in this regional sporting tradition.

Rural routes and privately owned riuraus

The Ruta dels riuraus d’Ondara connects rural paths with the town. Along the route are privately owned riuraus. View them from the path and do not enter private property. This lets you take the connection between rural paths and the town into account when planning, while respecting private property.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: L'Atzúbia, Bigastro, Daya Vieja, Algorfa, Confrides, Mutxamel, Forna, La Vall De Gallinera.

For the main travel overview: Alicante.