Hermitage of Santa Bárbara
This hermitage (seen in the background) was built by Tomás Estacis at the end of the eighteenth century, when the former hermitage, which had been built between 1692 and 1694, was demolished. It is situated on a small hill, which is parallel to the hill of the castle (foregound). The statue of Santa Barbara is situated inside the building. In 1983 the hermitage was declared an artistic historic monument of the region by the academy of San Fernando.
Monóvar geographical siuation:
[Click to see original map in Google maps]
Monóvar is located in the region of the Vinalopò valley. The municipal district of Monóvar has a surface of 152 km² and borders to the north the municipal districts of Villena, Salinas and Elda; to the south Elda and Novelda, and to the west Pinoso. It has a Mediterranean climate and an average temperature of 8°C in January and of 24°C during July and August. The territory of the municipal district is divided into two areas: the eastern one, where the town is situated and the central and western areas, which include several mountains such as Reclot, the Zafra and the Umbría.
Bullring
The construction of the bullring started in 1911. Wood instead of stone was used as a construction material and there was room for 5.000 people in the ring. Afterwards it was destoyed and used as a concentration camp, but this presented no obstacle to its owner reopening it in 1941. From that year until it was closed again in 1968 there had been plenty of shows in the Monóvar bullring. After being closed for 34 years it was reopened the 9:th of September 2002 as the main areana for the old tradition of Spanish bullfighting.
Archipriestal church of San juan Bautista
Photo: J.M. Roman Penalva [Image Source Panoramio]
In 1750 construction began on this church, which is in baroque-style with some neoclassical elements. It has a latin cross ground foundation and the central nave is covered by a barrel vault with small, half-moon shaped windows. In the two side naves there are 2 chapels. The organ was originally built in 1771 and reconstructed in the 1900- century by Alberto Rendeynes.
Town Hall
The construction of the Town Hall began in the year 1845. The ancient building, in which the prison and the council hall had been located since 1682, was pulled down in 1845. This function of the buildingas a council hall now lends its name to the Square of the Hall (Plaza de la Sala). Located in this square is the main facade of the building. It has a square foundation and three stories with the outside made out of stone, which is topped out four times. In the middle of the building there is a tower. On the first floor, where the plenary session hall is located, there is a continious balcony in the main facade
The Clock Tower
Photo: J.M. Roman Penalva [Image Source Panoramio]
This tower was built in 1743 by the expert Tomás Terol of Alicante with exclusively civil aims. Nowadays it houses the town clock and its bells. It is 18 metres high.
Monóvar flowers in bloom
Photo: J.M. Roman Penalva [Image Source Panoramio]
