What to see in Ibi
Ibi, in the Hoya de Castalla about 95 km from Valencia, is the toy-making town par excellence, with 24,500 residents at 816 metres of altitude. The Rico and Payá toy makers shaped the Spanish industry, and their works are museums today: the Toy Museum, with over 450 pieces in the former Payá, and Arcade Vintage, with 300 machines in the former Rico.
The centre is anchored by the Transfiguración church, from the late 18th century, with a blue-tiled dome and Oliet frescoes. In December, the Enharinados take the town by flour-bombing.
In September, the Moors and Christians festival, authorised by Charles IV in 1797, fills Ibi with companies. The town, at 816 metres of altitude between two hills with hermitages, faces the Carrascal de la Font Roja natural park, and rounds off its museums with the Biodiversity and Fiesta museums. The Toy and Arcade museums are visited one after the other in the Payá and Rico works, in the same industrial core.
What to see in Ibi
- Museo del Videojuego Arcade VintageMuseum~150 m from the Town Hall
Some 300 arcade machines in the former Rico factory, playable, of the Arcade Vintage Museum opened in 2019.
- Museo Valenciano del JugueteMuseum~200 m from the Town Hall
Over 450 toys in the former Payá factory: the history of the Ibi toy industry.
- Iglesia de la Transfiguración del SeñorChurch~150 m from the Town Hall
Parish church from the late 18th century, with side towers, a blue-tiled dome and frescoes by Joaquín Oliet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ibi a toy-making town?
For the Rico and Payá toy makers, which shaped the Spanish toy industry.
What are the Enharinados?
The 28 December festival, with flour and egg battles through the town.
What to see in Ibi?
The Toy Museum, Arcade Vintage and the Transfiguración.
🔒 Secret spots
- Hidden gemWater among rocks: a corner of inland Valencia
A landscape of water and rock in the Valencia region. Supporters can read the place name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- Beach & natureWater and birds: a Valencian wetland to explore
A wetland in the Valencia region, with water, vegetation and birdlife. Supporters can read its name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- Hidden gemRock art in the Valencia region
An article about rock art in the Valencia region. Supporters can read the place name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- Beach & natureA Valencian cove for taking in the sea
A cove in the Valencia region with the coastal landscape at its heart. Supporters can read its name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- Beach & natureA Valencian spring for watching the water
A freshwater spring in the Valencia region, explored through observation. Supporters can read its name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- ViewpointA Valencian cave with a view of the landscape
A cave in the Valencia region with a view of the surrounding landscape. Supporters can read its name, location and the article’s visit notes.
- Natural poolA spring-fed pool among ferns
A small pool in inland Valencia. The Spanish guide covers the walking approach and checks before setting out.
- ViewpointA viewpoint above cork-oak woodland
An inland viewpoint in the Valencia region. The Spanish guide explains the forest-track approach and the steep final section.
- ViewpointA viewpoint over a village and its valley
An inland Valencia viewpoint over a village and valley. The Spanish guide locates the path and explains what to check before going.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment and rate
What did you think? Be the first to share it.