At the foot of the Vila's walls, opening onto the Sant Jaume–Almaig ravine, the Plaça Major has been the centre of Ontinyent's public life since the 16th century, which is why it gathers some of the town's most important historic buildings.
The old town hall
The Casa del Consell, or old town hall, presides over the square, also known as la Sala. It was built in the first half of the 16th century in front of the medieval fortifications. Its present appearance comes from a major remodelling in 1765, and it still houses council offices. Look for the sundial on its façade.
On the west side stood the old grain exchange (Almodí), turned into a prison in the 17th century, and in the late 16th century the Llotgeta del Mostassaf was added, with three figures: the one in the middle, holding scales, is Justice.
The Counts of Torrefiel palace
Opposite, the Counts of Torrefiel palace (15th-18th centuries) is today's town hall. Inside is a magnificent early-16th-century Gothic stone doorway, identical to the one in the Golden Hall of the Palau de la Generalitat in Valencia, and a stone staircase from the same period, with grotesque figures carved on the pillar bases.
The square at festival time
Every August a huge wooden castle is built here for the Embassies of the Moors and Christians festival.
Visiting
It's at the end of the old town walk, next to Carrer Regall and the MAOVA.
Source: Ontinyent Tourism.
