Orihuela Spain |
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Orihuela is a city and municipality located at the feet of the Sierra de Orihuela mountains in the province of Alicante Spain, just between Elche and Murcia. According to the 2005 census the city and its municipality has a population of around 75,000 and an area of 365 km2. Although lying some 20 km inland it has its own stretch of coastline (Orihuela Costa) with many fine beaches and some exclusive resorts. Orihuela has one of the largest cultural heritages in the area and was home to the famous Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez. It reached its peak of importance in the 8th century. Later on, during the Muslim conquest, the city was able to conserve its independence until the 9th century. In the 16th century, it was graced with being the Episcopal Headquarters. Up until now, it has taken great pride in maintaining all its monuments.  
What to see in Orihuela The Palace of Rubalcalva: The Palace of Rubalcalva is a monument you must visit. It was inhabited by members of the same family up until 1933 and in 1976 it became property of the town. The Cathedral of el Salvador: The Orihuela Cathedral was built on grounds where a mosque had once been in the 12th century and shows a Gothic style. Through the entrance called Door of Loreto added on in the 15th century you will see a beautiful Baroque organ. Free admission. Orihuela Museums: It's located in Calle Miguel Hernandez, at number 73. There's free admission and it's open all year round.  
Orihuela, of course, has its share of fiestas and celebrations, one, unique to Orihuela being the Burial Procession at Easter time, when the "Diablesa" (the female incarnation of the devil) is paraded through the streets of the city. The River Segura runs through the middle of Orihuela, the older part of the city being mostly north of the river. Orihuela can be easily reached via the A-7 junctions 80 and 81 or via the CV-95 from Torrevieja. The Orihuela Costa enjoys a fantastic temperate climate and is renowned for being one of the healthiest places on earth to live, basking in over 300 days of sunshine every year and having an average temperature of around 20 degrees centigrade and very low rainfall.
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