The best road cycling routes around Sax

You can still find some pretty old buildings and authentic Spanish life here. However, it's a bit more difficult to find a restaurant on Mondays.

The Church (Hermitage) of Santa Eulalia, located in the Santa Eulalia Colony, between Sax and Villena (Alicante, Alto Vinalopó). It forms part of an agricultural colony built in the late 19th century, declared a Site of Cultural Interest (ethnological) in 2016. It is situated in an area between Sax and Villena, near the Acequia del Rey irrigation canal and the Vinalopó River. The hermitage is located in one of the colony's two main squares, surrounded by houses, factories (flour and alcohol), a theater, a casino, and a train station. The current hermitage was built in 1891, on the site of an earlier medieval one, commissioned by the Count of Alcudia (Antonio de Padúa Saavedra). It is a simple rectangular building with a double-arched bell gable built around 1900; each arch housed bells on its lower level.

Villena is a jewel of inland Alicante, perfect for a cultural, historical, and gastronomic getaway. Monuments and Heritage Atalaya Castle: A 12th-century Almohad fortress, a symbol of the city. It offers spectacular views and guided tours. Church of Santiago: With its spiral columns, it is one of the most unique examples of Levantine Gothic architecture. Church of Santa María: A blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Chapí Theatre: A cultural landmark with a program of music, theatre, and dance. Town Hall and Santiago Square: The heart of the historic center.

Church of Santa María (Villena) This church was built in the 16th century on the site of the former main Muslim mosque of Villena, at which time it became the church of El Rabal, the suburb outside the medieval walls of Villena.

The Church of Mary Help of Christians (Salesians) in Villena. Founded in 1917 along with the Salesian House of Villena. The image of Mary Help of Christians arrived in solemn procession from the Parish of Santa María on May 4, 1918. During the Spanish Civil War, the altars were destroyed, but the building remained intact. It has been a key spiritual and educational center in the city, linked to the Salesian legacy and the figure of Don Bosco.

Built by the Almohads in the 12th century on San Cristóbal Hill as a defensive fortress on the border between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The inner wall and the two lower floors of the keep date from the Almohad period, featuring vaults unique in Spain, along with those of Biar Castle. The two upper floors and the outer wall with twelve turrets were added in the 15th century. Conquered by James I in 1240. Residence of Don Juan Manuel (author of El Conde Lucanor). It played a role in conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession, the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, and the Peninsular War. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931 and a Site of Cultural Interest.

Built by the Almohads in the 12th century on San Cristóbal Hill as a defensive fortress on the border between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. The inner wall and the two lower floors of the keep date from the Almohad period, featuring vaults unique in Spain, along with those of Biar Castle. In the 15th century, the two upper floors and the outer wall with twelve turrets were added. Conquered by James I in 1240. Residence of Don Juan Manuel (author of El Conde Lucanor). It participated in conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession, the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, and the Peninsular War. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931 and a Site of Cultural Interest.

The Ermita de San Blas in Sax is a small, historic chapel located in the heart of the old town, directly below the castle. It was probably built in the 13th or 14th century and is one of the typical "Ermitas de Reconquista" (reconquest hermitages) built after the Christian reconquest. The building has a simple rectangular floor plan with a later addition of a semicircular chancel and a baroque bell tower above the entrance. The statue of Saint Blas, the patron saint of the town, is venerated inside. The chapel continues to play a central role in the religious and cultural life of Sax. Of particular importance is the annual "Cabildo de San Blas" on December 26th, a traditional gathering that marks the beginning of the patron saint's festivities. In addition, masses are regularly held in honor of the saint. With its historic architecture and picturesque location below the castle, the Ermita de San Blas is an important symbol of Sax's identity and a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in culture.