Benidorm has long been a popular holiday destination for beachgoers, but did you know it also has unique cultural offerings? While some visitors may overlook them, the city has some prominent historical sites. Let me share with you a few highlights you won’t want to miss on your visit!
Museo de Agricola
Benidorm’s ‘Agricultural Museum’ certainly has much to offer any history lover. It contains a vast collection of historic farming equipment once utilized throughout the region, such as horse-drawn ploughs.
The museum’s highlight is its water mill, complete with its own water wheel. Agriculture has long played an important role in the region’s history and is still important today for its economy. A visit to the Museo de Agricola is a great way to better understand the local economic base.
Centro Cultural Maritimo
Benidorm is situated right on the Mediterranean coast and has a distinguished maritime past. The ‘Maritime Cultural Centre’ displays that history exactly: it houses model fishing boats, anchors, knots and other artefacts that give remembrance to the great ventures of Benidorm’s seamen.
While the centre itself is small, visiting it is perhaps the best way to get a sense of the city’s history and culture. There are many exhibits containing pictures and articles that show the layout of the old city. Although what was once a sleepy fishing village has become a major holiday destination, spending some time getting to know the area around the harbour – which is where the centre is located – is a worthwhile cultural experience. After visiting the centre, you’ll truly be able to walk through the streets and imagine their history first-hand.
Iglesia de Sant Jaume
The ‘Church of Saint James’ rests at the top of Canfali hill, which overlooks the Old Town of Benidorm. It was built in the 18th century in the neoclassical style and has a remarkable hemispherical blue glazed tile dome that is emblematic of other Mediterranean churches in the region.
What makes the Iglesia de Sant Jaume especially unique is that it houses, in a small side chapel, the Virgin Sufragio: the patron saint of Benidorm. Local legend states that the Virgin was found on a boat adrift on the high seas! Other valuable artefacts decorate the church and it is simply a must-see for any history buff.
Whether you’re on a historical tour of the Alicante region or just looking for a bit of entertainment away from the mid-day sun, Benidorm has some attractions that are worth a visit.
How to Get There
To get to Benidorm, I recommend flying into Alicante-Elche Airport. From there, the most hassle-free way to travel from Alicante to Benidorm is with a shuttle service. The transfer should only take 40 minutes or so, and you’ll be enjoying your holiday and taking in some of the cultural and historical sites in no time!
Martin Wynn
