Patró: Heritage and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Patró
The Castellot de Alpatró stands on a rugged hilltop between two ravines and overlooks the Gallinera River; Alpatró lies beyond. Those interested in landscapes, hiking trails and local architectural history will find several specific points of interest in Patró: alongside the Castellot, these include the Church of the Assumption of Mary, La Creu de Terme and the Moltó oil mill.
Landscape and historical context
The Castellot de Alpatró is a small, square tower with a footprint of 5.7 × 5.8 metres. It stands on the hilltop of a rugged promontory between two ravines. Its sides, measuring 5.7 and 5.8 metres, are almost equal in length, giving it an almost square floor plan; this makes the small tower look compact. The tower overlooks the course of the Gallinera River; Alpatró lies beyond.
The tower is provisionally dated to the Almohad period, shortly before the Christian conquest.
Hiking trails and navigation
Two named trail connections are worth considering when planning a hike. PRCV 147 Benialí–Alpatró is a hiking trail approved by the Mountaineering and Climbing Federation of the Valencian Community. The Route of the Eight Villages reaches Alpatró via the Font del Llavador Nou and leaves the village by the Joan Pellicer Cultural Centre, heading towards Font Vella.
Before setting out, check the current condition of PRCV 147, as trail maintenance may change.
Church and old access route
The parish of the Church of the Assumption of Mary was founded in 1535. The present-day church was partly built on the remains of an earlier mosque. The year 1535 refers to the parish, not to the construction of the present-day church building.
La Creu de Terme also connects a structure with a historic route. Its original form probably dates from the early 18th century. The cross is located at the start of the old access route to Alpatró via La Fillola de Baix. The local heritage spans the period from the Castellot, provisionally dated to the Almohad period shortly before the Christian conquest, to the original form of La Creu de Terme, probably dating from the early 18th century; between them lies the founding of the parish in 1535.
Moltó oil mill and heritage
The history of the Moltó oil mill also centres on its preservation: about thirty volunteers from Alpatró bought and restored the mill. The Moltó oil mill was part of the Bella house, which also owned the Bella bread oven, also known as the Gascó oven. Its structure is still intact.
The Museu Almazara de los Moltó is a kind of ethnological museum. If you are planning a specific visit, check the current opening hours in advance.
For an overview of the wider area: La Vall De Gallinera.
