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The gate to the Costa Blanca
Dénia lies at the foot of Mount Montgo and is surrounded by countless
citrus-groves and many beautiful palm-trees and other southern plants.
More than 2500 years ago, the Greeks, Iberians, Romans and the Arabs,
already visited Dénia. In many different parts of this town, you can
still find their traces, which can be verified in the archaeological
museum of Dénia. Because of its interesting geological situation, the
harbour was used for the storage of merchandise from North Africa and
Italy.
It experienced its best economical age in the 19th century, due to the
trade in raisins, and with the building of the railroad, and in the 20th
century with the trade in citrus and toys. Today you can visit the toy
museum, which since May 1999 is officially open to the public.
A characteristic cultural monument is the Castle of Dénia. It is
situated in the middle of the town, on top of a hill, from where you can
enjoy a fabulous view over the Town, the harbour and the sea.
Today Dénia, with more or less 30.000 inhabitants, has the perfect
mixture of Mediterranean atmosphere and modern infrastructure. The main
street is called “Marques de Campo” and is the centre of life and trade
in Dénia. Here you’ll find banks, exclusive boutiques, Bars, coffee
shops, restaurants, etc…You can stroll through the nice old alleys or
visit the exclusive marina. Maybe you can witness the auction on the
fish-market.
The long sand-beaches, here and there interrupted by curves and bays
with gravel beaches that continue all the way to Oliva, slightly slope
and are therefore suitable for children. From Dénia you can take a ferry
to the Balearic Islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca and of course there
are many sports facilities for horse-riding, Tennis, Golf, etc…
The castle of Dénia
The castle is situated right in the centre of town, on top of the hill
and is the most important symbol of Dénia’s heritage.
Castle telephone: 0034 966420656
Roman remains can be found on the East Side on the Castle (Gerro tower).
In Muslim times the castle was divided into two concentric enclosures:
The lower, called Al-bacar where livestock was kept and where
inhabitants of Dénia fled to during moments of conflict, and the higher,
called Al-cazaba (arab place). The medina (Arab city) was on the outside
of the castle walls.
The Town Portico (entrance portico) and the horseshoe arch situated in
the “Portico of Baluart” and the “Torre del mig” (tower) are all
noteworthy samples of that time.
Christian times
In the year 1304, James the 2nd had inhabitants
of Dénia moved to the area outside the castle walls thus constituting
the “Vila Vella” (old town) that would last as the urban centre until
the war of Succession (beg. 18th century)
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Denia at
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Town |
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Beach from Denia
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Castle of Denia |
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