Església de Santa María de Bocairent

The Church of Santa María stands over the old quarter of Bocairent, in the Vall d'Albaida, at the foot of the Sierra de Mariola. It is a Gothic church built on the foundations of the former Moorish castle, a layering that sums up the history of this medieval corner of inland Valencia.

History

The church rises where a Muslim fortress once stood, taking advantage of its commanding position above the town. Built in the Valencian Gothic tradition, it keeps the austere character and solidity typical of the region's religious architecture from that period.

What to see

Its main draw is the parish museum, which holds works by artists tied to Valencian art:

• Paintings attributed to Joan de Joanes, a key figure of the Valencian Renaissance.
• Work by Joaquín Sorolla, the great master of light.
• Pieces by José Segrelles, an illustrator native to the area.

Tips for your visit

• Climb the nearly hundred steps to the bell tower: from the top you can see the medieval quarter and the Sierra de Mariola.
• Pair the visit with a walk through the medieval quarter, with its narrow, steep streets.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the climb to the bell tower is narrow.