Plizio Visual Lab

Novelda

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°8
Novelda (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Novelda

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The modernist Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is located on a hill outside town; taking a car or taxi is recommended.
  • Combine your visit to the Sanctuary with the Castillo de la Mola right next to it, known for its unique triangular tower.
  • Novelda is the center of the Spanish spice trade. Buying premium saffron here makes for a great, lightweight souvenir.
  • Check the opening hours of the Casa Museo Modernista in the center beforehand, as they typically observe a long midday break.
  • Keep an eye on the paving and buildings: the town is famous for its marble industry, which is showcased proudly in the streets.

🍽 Food

🍽
Arroz con Conejo y Caracoles

Rice cooked with rabbit and snails over a vine-shoot fire. Find it at traditional restaurants in the Vinalopó valley area.

🍽
Gachamiga

A hearty, garlic and flour-based pan dish served in country-style traditional eateries.

🍽
Spiced Pastries

Try sweet treats flavored with anise and cinnamon at local bakeries, nodding to the town's spice heritage.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Saffron and Spices

Buy high-quality saffron and spices from local grocery stores; famous Spanish brands like Carmencita originate here.

🛍
Calle Mayor

Stroll down this central street for boutique shopping surrounded by beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

🛍
Mercado de Abastos

The central food market is the well-suited place to pick up fresh local produce and cheeses in a lively setting.

🧘
Sanctuary Surroundings

Walk the quiet hilltop paths surrounding the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena for peaceful views of the Vinalopó valley.

🧘
Parque del Oeste

A nice tree-lined park within the town, providing an excellent shaded retreat to rest your feet.

Novelda, located in the province of Alicante, is a surprising gem for lovers of architecture and history. The city is a major center of the Spanish Art Nouveau movement (Modernismo), which is reflected in several magnificent buildings. The most outstanding example is the Sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene (Santuario de Santa María Magdalena), an extraordinary structure by José Sala Sala, heavily inspired by Gaudí's style and often called 'the little Sagrada Família of Levante'. Right next to it stands the La Mola Castle with its unique triangular tower. Another must-see is the Art Nouveau Museum (Casa-Museo Modernista), a perfectly preserved bourgeois residence from the early 20th century. In addition to its architecture, Novelda is known worldwide for its marble industry and the trade of spices, especially saffron. These industries founded the wealth of the city, which is reflected in its architecture. The gastronomy is typical of the Alicante region, featuring rice dishes, gazpacho, and local wines. Novelda is easily accessible via the nearby Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). The best times to visit are spring and autumn to avoid the summer heat and to enjoy the architectural treasures and surrounding landscape in peace.

Geography

Population
27,135
Coordinates
38.38479, -0.76773

Facts

  • A center of Spanish Art Nouveau (Modernismo) in the region.
  • The Sanctuary of Magdalena is inspired by Gaudí's work.
  • A world leader in the production and processing of marble.
  • An important commercial hub for saffron and other spices.
  • The La Mola castle has a unique triangular tower.
  • The Art Nouveau Museum is housed in a historic building.
  • Located in the valley of the Vinalopó river.
  • Celebrates festivals in July in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Novelda (8)

Piscina municipal🎡 recreation

The municipal swimming pool of Novelda for recreation and sports.

Fundación Jorge Juan🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the naval scientist Jorge Juan, located in his 17th-century birthplace in Novelda.

María Auxiliadora⛪ religious

María Auxiliadora is a modern church in the center of Novelda dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Centre civic i social🎭 culture

A civic and social centre in a converted textile factory, offering workshops and community events in Novelda.

Auditorio Parque del Oeste🎭 culture

An open-air auditorium set in the pine forest of the Parque del Oeste in Novelda, with a stage and natural acoustics.

iglesia de San Roque⛪ religious

The iglesia de San Roque in Novelda is a parish church with a Baroque façade and a bell tower.

Casa Museo Modernista🏛 museum

Casa Museo Modernista is a Modernist house in Novelda, featuring colorful ceramic decorations.

🕒 Tu-Sa 11:00-14:00💶

Auditorio Municipal🎭 culture

A modern auditorium with a glass facade, seating 500, in the centre of Novelda.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most spectacular building in Novelda?
The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, which strongly resembles Gaudí's Sagrada Família.
What is Novelda's economy known for?
The city is a center for marble processing and the trade of spices (saffron).
Is there a castle in Novelda?
Yes, the Castillo de la Mola with its unique triangular tower.
What is the Modernism Museum?
The Casa de Cultura (Casa Mira) is a magnificent Art Nouveau house that can be visited.
How far is Novelda from Alicante?
It is about 30 km inland and reachable in approx. 25 minutes by car.
Novelda: where is it located?
Novelda is located in Galicia, Spain.
Novelda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscina municipal, Fundación Jorge Juan, María Auxiliadora.
Novelda: why is it worth visiting?
Novelda, located in the province of Alicante, is a surprising gem for lovers of architecture and history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Spain →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks