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Some
23km
inland
from
Alicante
is the
capital
of the
El
Baix
district
and
the
Valencian
region's
third
largest
city
in
terms
of
population.
Elche
had
its
original
location
at
L'Alcudia
where
the
bust
of the
Lady
of
Elche
was
found,
however
the
city
was
moved
by the
Moors
to its
current
position,
surrounded
by
groves
of
palm
trees.
Today
over
300,000
officially
protected
palm
trees
in the
city
lend
it a
somewhat
exotic
air.
These
palms
are
evident
on
every
street
corner
and
can be
especially
enjoyed
in the
well-tended
city
park
and
just a
short
walk
away
in the
Huerto
del
Cura
(Priest's
Garden),
where
a palm
in the
form
of a
seven-armed
candelabra
is a
good
example
of the
freaks
of
nature.
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When
King
James
I
conquered
the
city,
the
victorious
Christians
occupied
the
Vila
Murada
or
walled
city
and
the
Moors
moved
to the
Ravel
area,
where
a
contemporary
art
gallery
is now
situated.
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In the
historical,
old
section
of the
city
amongst
the
most
interesting
sights
are
the
Altamira
Palace,
the
Basilica
of
Santa
Maria,
the
Moorish
fortress
and
the
Moorish
Baths.
The
municipal
park
in
Elche
is a
wonderful
place
to
enjoy
both
the
sun
and
the
shade.
The
park
is
filled
with
tall
palms,
water
features,
band
stands
and
much
more.
On the
other
side
of the
road
is the
outdoor
swimming
pool
and
the
sports
park
where
all
manner
of
sports
take
place.
The
tourist
office
is
located
in the
corner
of the
park.
The
River
Vinalopo
runs
through
Elche
and
has
several
impressive
crossing
points.
If you
stay
close
to the
river
you
are
guaranteed
to see
the
best
of the
sights
including
the
Basilica,
the
Palcacio,
the
Museo
de la
Fiesta
and
the
old
town
market.
The
tourist
board
can
issue
you
with a
street
plan
that
has
suggested
routes
marked
on it
to
ensure
you
get
the
most
from
your
visit.
All
over
Elche
are
splendid
buildings
with
intricate
stonework
and a
fair
share
of
statues
and
monuments.
Look
out
for
the
Lady
of
Elche.
Be
sure
to
walk
and
make
sure
you
have
good
walking
shoes
on and
take
plenty
of
water
with
you.
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Further
afield,
a
great
day
out
can be
had at
the
Rio
Safari
park,
located
on the
Elche
-
Santa
Pola
road.
The
park
has a
wide
range
of
animals
on
display
as
well
as
swimming
pools
and
water
slides.
There
are
also
dolphin
displays
to
watch.
Further
details
and
prices
can be
had on
966 63
82 88.
We
visited
Elche
as
part
of our
Costa
Blanca
tour
after
calling
in at
Alicante,
Santa
Pola
and
Benidorm,
all
within
a
short
drive.
From
Elche
we
took
the
N340
to
Murcia.
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If
castles
is
your
interest
then
follow
our
side-step
route
through
Novelda
and
Sax to
Villena. |
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