At the north-western tip of the medieval Vila, overlooking the Clariano river, stands the Palau de la Vila, probably once a Moorish fortress (alcázar). After James I took the Hisn Untinyân around 1245, it became a royal residence and later a noble palace.
History
In the early years after the conquest it served as a stronghold and as the seat of the fledgling town government. Tradition has it that James I, Peter the Great and James II all stayed here. In the early 16th century it passed to the Blasco family, and in 1666, when owned by the Count of Carlet, it welcomed the infanta Margaret of Austria, daughter of Philip IV.
After the death of its last owner, the Duchess of Almodóvar, in 1814, it fell into a long decline. It was declared a historic monument in 1974 (now a Site of Cultural Interest), bought by the town council in 1990 and fully restored between 2008 and 2011.
What to see
- The cryptoporticus, a "buried portico" of barrel vaults and great arches that supports the building, with a sloping gallery that was once the entrance.
- The Giants and Big-heads Museum, with the festival giants and big-heads.
- Since 2012 it has hosted the town council's plenary meetings.
Visiting
- Address: Plaça de Sant Roc, 2 (La Vila).
- Home to the Tourist Office (962 91 60 90): the best starting point for the old town walk.
Source: Ontinyent Tourism.
