Alpuente: Spain's medieval gem with stunning views and ancient history

Nestled an hour northwest of Valencia, Spain, the medieval village of Alpuente is drawing attention as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Located on the border with the regions of Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha, Alpuente was recently incorporated into the Association of Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, which now includes 122 towns.

As visitors approach Alpuente, they are greeted by the scenic landscapes of the Alto Turia mountains, dotted with almond groves that are currently in bloom. The village itself, perched at an altitude of 1,000 meters, is home to 680 inhabitants. Its tiered layout leads from ancient washhouses near irrigation channels up to a 12th-century castle, which predates Christian rule and now stands in ruins. The village offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys, where wild goats and deer roam.

Alpuente's rich history is evident in its architecture and landmarks. The Torre de Alhama, once the town hall, and the Church of Our Lady of Piedad, built on the site of a former mosque, stand as testaments to its past. The town's urban layout and an old communal oven, now part of an ethnographic museum, further illustrate its heritage. While the bakery may not be ancient, it has been serving local specialties for decades, including baguettes, anise-flavored rosquilletas, raisin and walnut cookies, and sweet potato pastries. A vendor at the bakery humorously noted, "There's a lot of sin here on Saturday."

Adding another layer to its historical significance, the Paleontological Museum houses a collection of dinosaur fossils discovered in the area, including a notable dinosaur leg and ammonites. The village is also experiencing a slow return of former residents and their descendants, seeking a tranquil life close to nature, a trend mirrored by urban dwellers looking to escape the city.