COCENTAINA TOWN

The thriving inland town of Cocentaina in the Serpis valley is one of the most historic in the area, its medieval Christian and Arab quarters still clearly delineated below its ancient castle. Packed with fine old buildings and churches, the town is noted for its fiestas and superb local cooking. The major tourist attraction is the Palau Comtal, a magnificent, and recently restored, 13th-15th century fortified palace. Its lovely rooms include the Sala Dorada and the Sala de Embajadores, with tiled Renaissance floors and exuberant baroque ceilings. The most notable church is the Mare Deu, and there are two museums, the Museu del Centre d'Estudis Contestans, featuring the whole story of Cocentaina with displays and an audiovisual program  and the Casa Museu del Fester, devoted to the Moros y Cristianos festival.