Orba is located in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, 20 kilometers from the sea. From here you can easily reach Denia, Javea and Calpe, where you can enjoy white sandy beaches and year-round sunshine.
It is close to Pego, Benidoleig, Murla, Alcalalí and La Vall de Laguar wich is just 6 km away and where you can enjoy what they call “The Cathedral of hiking” with walks for all abilities.
It is known for its traditional pottery and history of Moorish era, from which it takes its name which means “the place where water flows from the bottom of the mountain.”
It is a natural environment where you can enjoy walking and biking, almond and cherry blossoms and traditional orchards.
SYMBOLIC PLACES:
Information about La Vall de Laguar and hiking trails. (more information here)
Castellet.
Ruin on the hill of the same name of what was once a watchtower or Christian fortress, built in the late XIII century.
Ruling House (XVI).
Built in the last third of the sixteenth century by the Count of Oliva, holders of the Barony of Orba, it then passed through the family to the Duchy of Gandia and finally to the Dukes of Osuna. originally thought to be the residence of the Bayles, it passed through time into the service of the guardians of Sunday rights and was used a place to stay or as family accommodation. In the first third of the nineteenth century it was adapted for various uses including barns, stables, a mill, winery and even a jail whose remains can still be seen today. The first inn or inn for travellers was established here by the Duke of Gandia Gerardo Sempere in 1,770 .
Fontilles Ravine.
The Ravin is located at the foot of the Orba Castle, which are ruins of a semi-demolished tower and the Green Horse, last bastion of the Moorish uprising in the Marina Alta. A dam was built in the ravine to replenish the aquifers and subsequently work was carried out to create the recreation area.
Church of the Nativity.
19th Century Parish Church .Built on the site of the old mosque the church was partially renovated in the mid-nineteenth century, although its current appearance is rather due to the restoration and expansion carried out in 1917 when it was decorated by the famous Orba painter Carlos Ruano Llopis. Worthy of special mention is the picture of “the Prophecy of Abraham” wich was saved in 1936 and continues to preside over the High Altar.
Bell tower (XIX).
Built in the mid-nineteenth century, it has a square base and combines the limestone seating area in the corners with the yellow tosca stone of the last built wing. The construction is presented in a form very similar to that in the early work of the capture of Isbert 1876 written by D. Toribio Iscar Saez, who probably the originator of this tower. In the last-built part of the tower are three bells, which in order of age are, “The Big One” called “Santo Tomas de Villanueva” with 729 kg and was installed in 1917, “The Little One” with the name “Nativity of the Lord “installed in 1941 and wich weighed 198 kg., and” The Medium One” wich was donated to the parish in 1978 by D. Angel Martinez Doménech and weighed 422 Kg.
Boundary cross.
Created by Lorenzo Torrens Reig, the cross was erected in 1902 by the pastor of Orba D. Eusebio Carrio Taverner and the Mayor D. Vicente Miralles Mora, and replaced the first wooden one, at the northern entrance of the village. Destroyed in 1936 allong with the rest of ornamental and religious objects, it was reconstructed after the conflict by Pedro Llopis Torrent with the same stones, the only new element being the upper arm wich had been seriously damaged.
Upper Font (1925) .
This was built in 1893 on the initiative of the then mayor D. Baptist Pastor Sirera it was not used until 1925, when Mayor José Garcés decided Mengual decided to cover it to guard against bad weather.
Lower Font (1904).
This was built in 1904 the Mayor being D. Celestino Llopis Llopis. Featured inside is the seating area, made by the village mason Lorenzo Torrens Reig, and in which the water channels are created in imitation Gothic style, and in which the date of construction is carved.
LOCAL FESTIVITIES
Virgen de los Desamparados (Festivities). The second weekend of May is celebrated with a parade of floats, fireworks, firecrackers, dances, pelota, etc.
Santo Cristo de Orbeta. the second weekend of July with street parties, lunches and dinners, fireworks, etc.
Festivities. Held from the last Friday of July to the first Saturday in August, with competitions, bulls, dances, paella day, etc.
Note: Information obtained from wikipedia.
Photos from Orba Towm Hall web site.