Discover Gilet: Nature, Falles and History

Gilet offers several distinct starting points for planning your trip: hiking trails to Cova del Sant Esperit, the Falles in March, and religious buildings with a long history. Plan your stay around whether you want to focus mainly on time outdoors, the festivities or the history of the town. These themes relate to different time periods: March and the night of March 19 are specifically associated with the Falles, while the history of the monastery and church is framed by their founding and the start of construction.

Nature and hiking trails

Parts of Gilet are within the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. Hiking trails from Gilet lead to Cova del Sant Esperit, also known as Cueva del Santo Espíritu. The cave contains significant remains of prehistoric rock paintings. This brings together two interests: the trails offer a hike, while the cave is also a cultural and historical site. The hiking trails and the rock paintings give you different reasons to include the cave in your travel plans: as a destination along the trails and for its prehistoric images. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.

The Falles in March

The Falles in Gilet are a traditional celebration held in March. They include satirical monuments, mascletades, parades and floral offerings to the Mare de Déu. On the night of March 19, the monuments are burned during the Nit de la Cremà. March gives the festival a clear time frame; its different elements each shape the occasion in their own way. If you want to plan your trip around the Falles, look to March and check the specific event dates in advance.

Church and monastic history

The religious buildings offer different historical perspectives. Construction of the Iglesia Parroquial de San Antonio Abad began in 1533. The church’s history is also associated with a 16th-century painting of the Virgen de la Estrella and the beginnings of veneration of this image. Thus, the history of the building and the history of a venerated image sit side by side. The Santo Espíritu del Monte Monastery was founded in 1402. Queen María de Luna petitioned Pope Benedict XIII for the authorizations needed for its canonical foundation. These refer to two different dates: 1402 marks the monastery’s foundation, while 1533 marks the beginning of the church’s construction. The painting and the veneration associated with it add the history of a religious image to this architectural history.

Accommodation in Gilet

For accommodation planning, the Hospedería at Monasterio de Santo Espíritu del Monte is a specific option to consider. It has single and double rooms, as well as halls for group activities. Two separate details are important for practical planning: the types of rooms and the halls for group activities. If you are considering this accommodation, check the available arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Torres Torres, Paiporta, Benifairó De Les Valls, Quart de Poblet, Atzeneta D'albaida, Carlet, Tavernes De La Valldigna, Estivella

For an overview of the wider region: Valencia.