La Vall d’Alcalà
The route starts next to the swimming pool. Head towards the square where the Town Hall of Alcalà de La Jovada is located, which, together with Beniaia, form La Vall d'Alcalà. The importance of this valley lies in the fact that, until a few years ago, it was believed to have been the headquarters of the Arab vizier Al-Azraq, who was the only Muslim leader to challenge Jaume I during the conquest carried out by the Kingdom of Valencia.
The parish church was built in 1636, supposedly on top of an old mosque. Head towards the remains of the ancient aqueduct, which used to bring water to the town. If one returns to the village and goes down towards the washing place (or laundry area), one comes across a bust of Al-Azraq. Here, there used to exist a street called Carrer de La Pilota and a large building that was known as Taverna de L’Oncle Benent (Uncle Benent's tavern), a place where parties were organised. Opposite the washing place, there is an olive oil mill.
Continue towards the washing place, which was built in 1928. At the end of the street, there is a building that used to be a hydraulic mill and is now a house. Following a path, the tour then reaches Nevera de Baix, an ice house dating back to the 17th century that was used to store snow between layers of straw so as to produce ice for the whole year.
If one goes to the abandoned Moorish village of L’Atzubieta, it is necessary to know that the first documentary reference to it dates back to the year 1356. Just before the expulsion of the Moors in 1609, it is estimated that 17 families lived here.
After the expulsion, many villages like this were occupied by Christian families during the 17th century and were abandoned once again in the early 18th century, which led to them being used as corrals until recent times. Currently, this abandoned village, together with others such as La Queirola, La Roca and Benialí, have been declared Cultural Heritage Sites (BIC).