Our latest day trip was to Novelda, a relatively undiscovered town despite it’s proximity to Alicante and only slightly over an hour’s drive from Calpe. It is particularly respected as as a gem of ‘Modernism’, the artistic movement that was developed between during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Our first stop was the emblematic Sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene, situated 3 kilometres outside the town, where we were able to inspect this very unusual building inside and out and admire the panoramic views. Some even braved the climb up to the nearby Mola Castle.
After a short coffee break, we were taken to Novelda Town and left to explore the ‘ruta turistica‘. The Modernist House Museum was particularly stunning with rooms, furniture and exhibits restored to a wonderful quality and giving an insight into the lifestyle and aesthetics of the Modernist era, for the wealthy, at least! We also visited the Church of Saint Peter and the Casino Cultural Society.
We met as a group for menu del día at Bon Profit —a restaurant specialising in local food— obviously popular with locals and visitors alike. Then, a gentle stroll in the sunshine took us back to the bus for our return to Calpe.
Our trips in May couldn’t be more varied…. A theatre visit to Javea Players’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Goat Trekking…
