Barri de la Vila

Perched on a hilltop, the Barri de la Vila is the historic quarter of Ontinyent, a maze of narrow lanes of Arab origin that still keeps the flavour of the medieval town intact. Declared a historic-artistic site in 1974, wandering through it on foot is free and gives a good sense of how this hillside town looked centuries ago.

History

The layout of the quarter reflects its Andalusi-era street plan: lanes that curl along the contours of the hill, with hardly a straight line, designed for shade and defence. Over the centuries, stately houses and medieval gateways were added to this fabric, shaping the ensemble that survives today.

What to see

The pleasure lies in strolling without a plan and letting yourself get lost. Along the way you'll find:

• Stately townhouses with stone doorways and old ironwork.
• Medieval gateways and arches that frame the narrow streets.
• Tucked-away corners and improvised viewpoints overlooking the ravine.

Tips for your visit

• Wear comfortable shoes: expect slopes and cobbled paving.
• Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the best light.
• There's no entry fee, so pair it with other free things to do in the area.