Simat de La Valldigna - Monuments

Monuments

• Monastery of Saint Mary of Valldigna : It is the most interesting monument of the whole valley. It is placed in the municipality of Simat de la Valldigna. It was an ancient Cistercian monastery, that was neglected and in ruins, until the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian regional government) began a process of restoration that still lasts.

• La Xara mosque or Saint Anne hermitage. It is a little hermitage, which is placed in the middle of the orange fields. It is the only remaining building from the ancient village of la Xara, which was abandoned in 1609, after the expulsion of the Moorish people from Spain. It is the building of the old mosque. It is rectangular, and there is a gate in the eastern part with a horsehoe arch. Four columns divide the building in three naves: Next to the gate there is a spiral staircase, which had the old function of the minaret. The Qibla is the most important element, since it shows the direction of Mecca and thus it was the place towards which the Muslims had to address their prayers. Nowadays the mihrab can also be seen, and also two side gates in the Qibla wall. Outside the mosque there is also the ancient ablutions well.

• Saint Michael Archangel Church. It is the present parish church. It has a baroque style, and the statue of saint Michael is interesting.

• Font Gran (Big fountain in English). It is placed in the middle of the square that has this name, inside the village. It is a natural fountain, with a big pool of water. Here the 9th October avenue begins.