Bezienswaardigheden Altea

When you visit the Russian orthodox church of Altea, in Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, you will discover a surprising edifice. This spiritual centre, blessed in 2007 and decorated with fascinating gilding, has been entirely constructed with Russian building materials. More surprising still, it is the copy of a 17th century church, situated in the Oural region. The church contrasts with the surrounding architecture of the region; reason enough for a visit!

Visit the church of Notre-Dame de la Consolation, the main church of the Altea which was built at the beginning of the 20th century. This religious edifice is composed of a single high nave that is particularly remarkable due to its two domes which are decorated with blue and white azulejos (a glazed ceramic tilework) which have become symbolic of the area. The church square is an ideal place from which to look at the surrounding scenery and to admire the sea and the coast.

The old town of Altea remains one of the most beautiful in the Valencia region. Cobbled streets and the many white-washed, 18th century houses are now home to craft workshops, shops, galleries and restaurants, all exuding an indisputable charm. Enter this part of the city through the old gate, an arch inserted into the original medieval wall. During your stroll around the town stop to admire the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, one of the city's major buildings with its striking blue-tiled dome.

A 17th century building houses the Eberhard Schlotter Foundation, an exhibition space created in 1995 following a bequest by German painter Eberhard Schlotter as a thank you to the town of Altea, which welcomed him and where he completed much of his work. This cultural site therefore includes donated works from his collection, as well as art reference books, video screenings and a shop selling posters, postcards, catalogues and artworks. The Foundation also organizes temporary exhibitions showcasing national and international artists.

Over the centuries, the town of Calpe has passed through many different hands: Iberians, Phoenicians, and Romans, for starters. The town grew around the Peñón de Ifach. This is a fortified complex dating from the 15th century which protects the old town. You can see parts of the medieval fortified wall as well as the Peça Tower. Don't miss the parish church, the only existing church in the gothic-mudejar style in the Valencia region.