Free walking tours in Orihuela and what to see

Must-sees

Orihuela, in the Vega Baja of the Segura, has one of the richest monumental heritages in the Valencia region. In the historic centre, by the river, is the Gothic Cathedral of El Salvador, with its Puerta de las Cadenas. Nearby are the churches of Santas Justa y Rufina and Santiago, as well as several palaces, such as Rubalcava. The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art holds a Velázquez canvas, The Temptation of Saint Thomas.

At the foot of the hills stands the Colegio de Santo Domingo, a former university with two cloisters and a richly decorated Baroque church. Orihuela is also the city of Miguel Hernández: his house museum and the murals of the San Isidro quarter remember the poet. If you feel like a climb, the path up to the Seminary of San Miguel gives good views of the city, the plain and the palm grove.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-wish free tours of Orihuela’s historic centre run fairly often and take in the outside of the cathedral, the main churches, Santo Domingo and the places linked to Miguel Hernández. Guided visits with entry to the cathedral and the Colegio de Santo Domingo are worthwhile, as are themed walks about the poet. Half-day trips to the city are also organised from the coast.

How long to spend

With a full day you can see the main sights. Spend the morning on the cathedral, the churches and the Diocesan Museum, and the afternoon on Santo Domingo, Miguel Hernández’s house and the San Isidro murals. If you want to climb to the seminary or visit the Holy Week Museum and the palm grove, add another half day. At Easter the city changes pace and it pays to plan ahead.

Where to stay

The historic centre, between the river and Santo Domingo, is the best area to stay for a cultural trip: everything is on foot and at night you can walk by the river. Hotels are limited, so book early. Many visitors stay at Orihuela Costa, by the sea, with more apartments and hotels, and drive up to the city. The trade-off is a drive of about 30 minutes.