Chelva is the town on head of La Serranía county, and belongs to the Alto Turia Municipality. In January the festivity of San Antonio Abad is traditionally celebrated in Chelva by setting fire more than a 150 street bonfires. People gather around the fires and tell stories. During these days the famous Festival of Oral Narrative of Chelva takes place. The major festival of Chelva takes place during the last week of August, when many cultural events and parties are held throughout the village. Some of the most relevant data of Chelva are collected in this table:
Interesting Data |
Chelva |
POPULATION (2005) |
1.938 inhabitants |
EXTENT |
190,87 km 2 |
HEIGHT |
478 m |
DISTANCE FROM VALENCIA |
69 km |
CLIMATE |
Continental |
LOCAL FESTIVALS |
Last week of August |
Within the urban area of Chelva, some of the remains of the JEWISH, CRISTIANS, ARABS and MORISH cultures have been preserved. As we can appreciate in the map, the historical quarters of Chelva are surrounded by protected cultivated areas.
Source: Chelva City Hall
ANCIENT CULTURES OF CHELVA, a place where arabs, jewish, morish and cristians left their inheritance.
Chelva has preserved the inheritance left by the people who lived in historically. The old quarters of the village have been recently protected by the Goverment of Valencia.
The arab neighbourhood of Benacacira (s.XI) still keeps its original layout. The narrow streets, alleys and tiny squares are rounded by white-washed walls, traditional houses and fountains. This was the very centre of the first settlement of the village, and its hidden atmosphere reminds the traditions of the arab culture.
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The jewish quarter of Azoque is one of the oldest of the village, and many of its principal constructions are still integrated in the urban design. Originally, the stuctures and buildings used to keep it isolated from the rest of the population.
The morish quarter of Arrabal was originated from the settlements dated on the 14th century. Placed outside the ancient walls, it concentrated a great part of the commercial activities of the village. The Mosque of Benaeça was built in the middle of the arab community, as well as the former City Hall of Chelva.
The Hermitage of the Saint Cross, former Mosque of Benaeça is located in the middle of the morish quarter of the Arrabal. The temple was built in 1370, and it is one of the oldest of the Valencian Community.
During the 16th century was consecrated to the cristian faith, becoming a catholic hermitage. Reproduces the hispanic-muslim pattern with a rectangular ground plan, sustented by arches perpendicular to the front facade, and has got a litte yard related with the use of water within the cult.
The building's main body has been preserved and the most significant change consisted of eliminating the minaret and adding a bell-tower. The church is divided into tree aisles crossed to the quibla (wall orientated towards southeast).
The former mosque of Benaeça has been restored in order to create the Museum of History and Culture of Chelva. The premises will have as a main theme the muslim epoque, and it will be possible to take an itinerary by the most important monuments of the village.
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