Alaquàs, with about 30,000 inhabitants, is a town in the Horta Sud district, in the metropolitan area of Valencia, about 8 km from the city centre. Once a farming village surrounded by irrigated market gardens, it is now a residential and industrial town, well connected with the capital, where many choose to live for lower prices.
History
Its origins lie in a Muslim settlement, as its name suggests. After the Christian conquest in the 13th century, the lordship passed to several noble families, who in the 16th century built the castle-palace, the town's symbol. Like many Horta Sud towns, Alaquàs was hit hard by the floods of October 2024, which caused severe damage across the area south of Valencia.
What to see
- The 16th-century Castell-Palau d'Alaquàs, one of the finest examples of Renaissance civil architecture in the Valencian Community, with four corner towers, a courtyard and wooden ceilings; it is a national monument and hosts cultural events.
- The church of the Assumption of Our Lady, with its bell tower.
- The convent of the Mare de Déu de l'Olivar, linked to the town's patron.
- The old town, with traditional houses.
Festivals
The patron saint festivities for the Mare de Déu de l'Olivar are in September, with processions, music and fireworks. In March, as across the region, the Fallas are celebrated, and in summer there are concerts and outdoor events.
Food
Alaquàs shares the cuisine of the Horta: Valencian paella with chicken, rabbit and beans, arròs al forn, all i pebre with Albufera eel, and horchata made from tiger nuts, xufa, served with fartons.
Getting there
Alaquàs is linked to Valencia by the Metrovalencia metro and intercity buses. Valencia airport, at Manises, is a few kilometres away. From the town it is easy to reach Valencia's beaches and the Albufera natural park.