Relleu
Encyclopedia
Relleu is a municipality
in the comarca of Marina Baixa
, Alicante
, Valencia
, Spain
.
The best way to access Relleu is coming from Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa, take the road that connects with Orxeta-Sella (CV-770).
From Alicante, you can also access this location through the AP-7 or N-332 then take the CV-775 up from El Campello
.
Relleu borders the municipalities of Aigües
, Alicante
, Busot
, Jijona/Xixona, Orxeta
, Penàguila
, Sella
and Torremanzanas.
past. It was brought into focus by Doctor Alejandro Sendra, who found, on his property, the burial stone of ‘Paccius’ that indicated Roman occupation well inside the Imperium
.
More findings from recent works in the town, although not yet closely studied, will shed more light on the past of the town, which, during the Roman period, was probably within the administration of the important nearby Roman town of Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa.
The history of Relleu precedes the Romans by at least four centuries as there was an Iberian
settlement within the Parish boundaries a little distance from the town on the highest point of the Penya-roja (Spanish Peñarroja). As detailed in the book ‘Contestina Ibérica’ by E. Llobregat.
Unfortunately the site has been looted but there still remain half meter thick walls and a significant quantity of Iberian amphora
fragments, small pieces of Iberian ceramic and over the hillside, slag
from iron working.
This material, together with other artefacts deposited in the local museum, with similar characteristics to those found in the settlement give the impression of permanent occupation more or less through the 2nd and 1st centuries BC when Romans controlled the area.
Relleu (which means "relief" in Valencian
) owes its name to the rugged terrain that makes up the municipality and is overlooked by the ruins of an 11th century castle built by the Muslim
population. The town consisted of 70 houses linked with Cocentaina
. After the conquest of the region by the troops of James I of Aragon
Relleu would become the property of Bernat de Sarrià depending ecclesiastically on Finestrat
parish until 1535.
In the late 16th century the property was under the Duke of Osuna and years later, the 1609 decree
by Philip III
expelling the Moor
s dramatically affected the town's population, who fled to the mountains and then, together with the Moors of Finestrat and Sella, rose up against Alicante. Only 15 Christian
families remained.
The town became one of the most populous in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, having 3,342 inhabitants. This was due to irrigation of the horta
by the Amadòrio River.
The ruins of the castle are protected by the Law on Spanish Historical Heritage.
of its inhabitants. In recent years Relleu has become an attractive destination for (mainly) British citizens, which has reversed the depopulation, so that in 2010 it had 1,279 inhabitants of which 41.2% were of foreign nationality.
A table showing the increase in the number of foreign residents since 2000.
and Spanish
are the two official languages.
A visitor to Relleu is likely to encounter two languages being used for notices around the town and in the entrance to the town hall; these are Valencian and English
. In addition, the town hall employs a native English speaker to liaise with foreigners.
Relleu had 24,654 motor vehicles on its register in 2008 due to a large vehicle tax rebate being paid by the town hall. This equates to 23 cars per inhabitant making it the municipality with the largest number of registered vehicles per capita in Spain.
Casa Balde, La Garrofera. Listed as being of "Special Cultural Interest" in 1997.
Torre de la Vallonga. Listed as being of "Special Cultural Interest" in 1997.
The Town Centre. As steep and narrow as the best Arab souks, is very well preserved and has examples of significant architectural interest. The Plaza of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is at its centre and serves as a meeting place for the inhabitants.
St. James Parish Church. It was first built in the seventeenth century on the ancient Moorish cemetery and then demolished in the late nineteenth century. Rebuilding was finished in 1931. 5 years later, because of the Civil War
the church was burned and had to be reformed again. Its bells are unique as they are the oldest in the entire province. During the Civil War a militia truck came for the bells. The mayor at the time was Don Francisco Carbonell i Climent, known by the nickname "Quico Cit". The militia chief put a gun to the mayor's chest and ordered him to have the bells ready for collection in 2 weeks time. When they returned to collect the bells Quico Cit bravely said that he needed a permit in order for the bells to leave Relleu. Faced with this determination to keep the bells, the militiamen went away never to return.
Chapel of St. Albert. Located on one of the hills near the town centre. The climb (including the Stations of the Cross
) gives some of the best views of Relleu and much of the surrounding area.
Pantano/Pantà de Relleu. Located on the southeast outskirts of town, just before the boundary with Orxeta and where the Amadòrio river tributaries meet. There is an 18th century dam wall of vault
-arch construction, 30 metres high and 10 metres thick. The dam was built at the instigation of the inhabitants of Villajoyosa, who received a document in 1653 from King Philip IV
authorizing its construction. Currently, this dam is unused. The site is impressive because of the steepness of the river gorge.
The 'Kick of St. James'. It marks a footprint on the rock whose origin is attributed to an alleged visit made by the Apostle to the area.
(Spanish
Fiestas Mayores):
Other fiestas:
'big pot of wheat') a bean, pork rib and black pudding stew. The "Borra" made with spinach, cauliflower, sausages and cod.
"Faseura" with corn cakes. Plus the various "coques
" (sweet or savoury bread based cakes) named "Farcida", "Escaldà", or "a la Paleta".
Municipalities of Spain
The municipalities of Spain In other languages of Spain:*Catalan/Valencian , sing. municipi.*Galician or , sing. municipio/bisbarra.*Basque , sing. udalerria. are the basic level of Spanish local government...
in the comarca of Marina Baixa
Marina Baixa
Marina Baixa is a comarca in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is bordered by the comarques of Comtat on the northwest, Marina Alta on the northeast, Alacantí and Alcoià on the west and the Mediterranean Sea on the east....
, Alicante
Alicante (province)
Alicante or Alacant is a province of eastern Spain, in the southern part of the Valencian Community. It is bordered by the provinces of Murcia on the southwest, Albacete on the west, Valencia on the north, and the Mediterranean Sea on the east...
, Valencia
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
Geography
Relleu is set in the middle of a valley surrounded by mountains like the Cabeçó d'Or (1,209 m), the Serra de la Grana (1,095 m) and the Serra de l'Aguilar (895 m).The best way to access Relleu is coming from Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa, take the road that connects with Orxeta-Sella (CV-770).
From Alicante, you can also access this location through the AP-7 or N-332 then take the CV-775 up from El Campello
El Campello
El Campello is a town on the Costa Blanca of Spain, within the Valencian Community. It is a 20-minute tram ride from Alicante city. There is a busy marina and fish market, where people can go and purchase freshly caught seafood....
.
Relleu borders the municipalities of Aigües
Aigües
Aigües is a municipality in the comarca of Alacantí in the Valencian Community, Spain....
, Alicante
Alicante
Alicante or Alacant is a city in Spain, the capital of the province of Alicante and of the comarca of Alacantí, in the south of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper was 334,418, estimated , ranking as the second-largest...
, Busot
Busot
Busot is a municipality in the comarca of Alacantí in the Valencian Community, Spain.The moros i cristians festivals are held from the Friday to the Monday on the weekend after Easter weekend every year....
, Jijona/Xixona, Orxeta
Orxeta
Orxeta is a small town and municipality in the comarca of Marina Baixa in the Valencian Community, Spain....
, Penàguila
Penàguila
Penàguila is a municipality in the comarca of Alcoià, Alicante, Valencia, Spain....
, Sella
Sella, Alicante
Sella is a municipality in the comarca of Marina Baixa in the province of Alicante, Spain. Every year the first weekend of October Sella celebrates its Festa Major; Festes de l'Aurora....
and Torremanzanas.
History
Relleu has an interesting RomanRoman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
past. It was brought into focus by Doctor Alejandro Sendra, who found, on his property, the burial stone of ‘Paccius’ that indicated Roman occupation well inside the Imperium
Imperium
Imperium is a Latin word which, in a broad sense, translates roughly as 'power to command'. In ancient Rome, different kinds of power or authority were distinguished by different terms. Imperium, referred to the sovereignty of the state over the individual...
.
More findings from recent works in the town, although not yet closely studied, will shed more light on the past of the town, which, during the Roman period, was probably within the administration of the important nearby Roman town of Villajoyosa/La Vila Joiosa.
The history of Relleu precedes the Romans by at least four centuries as there was an Iberian
Iberians
The Iberians were a set of peoples that Greek and Roman sources identified with that name in the eastern and southern coasts of the Iberian peninsula at least from the 6th century BC...
settlement within the Parish boundaries a little distance from the town on the highest point of the Penya-roja (Spanish Peñarroja). As detailed in the book ‘Contestina Ibérica’ by E. Llobregat.
Unfortunately the site has been looted but there still remain half meter thick walls and a significant quantity of Iberian amphora
Amphora
An amphora is a type of vase-shaped, usually ceramic container with two handles and a long neck narrower than the body...
fragments, small pieces of Iberian ceramic and over the hillside, slag
Slag
Slag is a partially vitreous by-product of smelting ore to separate the metal fraction from the unwanted fraction. It can usually be considered to be a mixture of metal oxides and silicon dioxide. However, slags can contain metal sulfides and metal atoms in the elemental form...
from iron working.
This material, together with other artefacts deposited in the local museum, with similar characteristics to those found in the settlement give the impression of permanent occupation more or less through the 2nd and 1st centuries BC when Romans controlled the area.
Relleu (which means "relief" in Valencian
Valencian
Valencian is the traditional and official name of the Catalan language in the Valencian Community. There are dialectical differences from standard Catalan, and under the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua has been established as its regulator...
) owes its name to the rugged terrain that makes up the municipality and is overlooked by the ruins of an 11th century castle built by the Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
population. The town consisted of 70 houses linked with Cocentaina
Cocentaina
Cocentaina is a town located in the comarca of Comtat, in the province of Alicante, Spain. The city is located between the mountainous Serra de Mariola national park and the Serpis river.The economy of Cocentaina is chiefly based on the textile industry....
. After the conquest of the region by the troops of James I of Aragon
James I of Aragon
James I the Conqueror was the King of Aragon, Count of Barcelona, and Lord of Montpellier from 1213 to 1276...
Relleu would become the property of Bernat de Sarrià depending ecclesiastically on Finestrat
Finestrat
Finestrat is a municipality in the comarca of Marina Baixa, Alicante in the Valencian Community, Spain.-Geography:Finestrat is only 8 minutes from Benidorm and from Alicante International Airport. Accessed by road via the motorway AP-7 and exit 65-A, from where a local road connects to the town....
parish until 1535.
In the late 16th century the property was under the Duke of Osuna and years later, the 1609 decree
Expulsion of the Moriscos
On April 9, 1609, King Philip III of Spain decreed the Expulsion of the Moriscos . The Moriscos were the descendants of the Muslim population that converted to Christianity under threat of exile from Ferdinand and Isabella in 1502...
by Philip III
Philip III of Spain
Philip III , also known as Philip the Pious, was the King of Spain and King of Portugal and the Algarves, where he ruled as Philip II , from 1598 until his death...
expelling the Moor
Moor
-Ethnicity:*Moors, several historic and modern populations from North Africa*Sri Lankan Moor, a minority ethnic group of Sri Lanka*Marakkar, a Muslim minority ethnic group of India-Places:...
s dramatically affected the town's population, who fled to the mountains and then, together with the Moors of Finestrat and Sella, rose up against Alicante. Only 15 Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
families remained.
The town became one of the most populous in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, having 3,342 inhabitants. This was due to irrigation of the horta
Huerta
A huerta or horta , from Latin hortis, "garden", is a fertile area, or a field in a fertile area, common in Spain and Portugal, in which a variety of common vegetables and fruit trees, are cultivated for family consumption and sale...
by the Amadòrio River.
The ruins of the castle are protected by the Law on Spanish Historical Heritage.
Demographics
The population went from 3,342 registered inhabitants in 1900 to 717 in 1991 due to the migrationHuman migration
Human migration is physical movement by humans from one area to another, sometimes over long distances or in large groups. Historically this movement was nomadic, often causing significant conflict with the indigenous population and their displacement or cultural assimilation. Only a few nomadic...
of its inhabitants. In recent years Relleu has become an attractive destination for (mainly) British citizens, which has reversed the depopulation, so that in 2010 it had 1,279 inhabitants of which 41.2% were of foreign nationality.
| Year | 1857 | 1887 | 1900 | 1910 | 1920 | 1930 | 1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1981 | 1991 | 2001 | 2006 | 2007 | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,521 | 3,018 | 3,342 | 3,080 | 2,690 | 2,424 | 2,001 | 1,813 | 1,539 | 1,307 | 1,009 | 717 | 795 | 1,046 | 1,090 | 1,262 | 1,279 |
A table showing the increase in the number of foreign residents since 2000.
| Year | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natives | 760 | 741 | 737 | 725 | 725 | 749 | 741 | 720 | 763 | 758 | 752 |
| Foreigners | 35 | 54 | 84 | 131 | 200 | 273 | 305 | 370 | 442 | 504 | 527 |
Language
ValencianValencian
Valencian is the traditional and official name of the Catalan language in the Valencian Community. There are dialectical differences from standard Catalan, and under the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua has been established as its regulator...
and Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
are the two official languages.
A visitor to Relleu is likely to encounter two languages being used for notices around the town and in the entrance to the town hall; these are Valencian and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. In addition, the town hall employs a native English speaker to liaise with foreigners.
Economy
Although agriculture (mainly almonds and olives) is still in practice, it is not as important as it was in the last century and today the economic source of Relleu depends mostly on the services sector.Relleu had 24,654 motor vehicles on its register in 2008 due to a large vehicle tax rebate being paid by the town hall. This equates to 23 cars per inhabitant making it the municipality with the largest number of registered vehicles per capita in Spain.
Monuments and places of interest
Relleu Castle. A 10th century Moorish castle now in ruins. Listed as being of "Special Cultural Interest" in 2001.Casa Balde, La Garrofera. Listed as being of "Special Cultural Interest" in 1997.
Torre de la Vallonga. Listed as being of "Special Cultural Interest" in 1997.
The Town Centre. As steep and narrow as the best Arab souks, is very well preserved and has examples of significant architectural interest. The Plaza of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is at its centre and serves as a meeting place for the inhabitants.
St. James Parish Church. It was first built in the seventeenth century on the ancient Moorish cemetery and then demolished in the late nineteenth century. Rebuilding was finished in 1931. 5 years later, because of the Civil War
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil WarAlso known as The Crusade among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War among Carlists, and The Rebellion or Uprising among Republicans. was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939...
the church was burned and had to be reformed again. Its bells are unique as they are the oldest in the entire province. During the Civil War a militia truck came for the bells. The mayor at the time was Don Francisco Carbonell i Climent, known by the nickname "Quico Cit". The militia chief put a gun to the mayor's chest and ordered him to have the bells ready for collection in 2 weeks time. When they returned to collect the bells Quico Cit bravely said that he needed a permit in order for the bells to leave Relleu. Faced with this determination to keep the bells, the militiamen went away never to return.
| Name of Bell | Diameter | Weight | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Bàrbara | 49 cm | 15 cwt (762 kg) | 1827 |
| Puríssima Concepció | 73 cm | 25 cwt (1,270 kg) | 1873 |
| Maria del Milagro y S.Jaime | 92 cm | 36 cwt (1,829 kg) | 1790 |
Chapel of St. Albert. Located on one of the hills near the town centre. The climb (including the Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross refers to the depiction of the final hours of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St...
) gives some of the best views of Relleu and much of the surrounding area.
Pantano/Pantà de Relleu. Located on the southeast outskirts of town, just before the boundary with Orxeta and where the Amadòrio river tributaries meet. There is an 18th century dam wall of vault
Vault (architecture)
A Vault is an architectural term for an arched form used to provide a space with a ceiling or roof. The parts of a vault exert lateral thrust that require a counter resistance. When vaults are built underground, the ground gives all the resistance required...
-arch construction, 30 metres high and 10 metres thick. The dam was built at the instigation of the inhabitants of Villajoyosa, who received a document in 1653 from King Philip IV
Philip IV of Spain
Philip IV was King of Spain between 1621 and 1665, sovereign of the Spanish Netherlands, and King of Portugal until 1640...
authorizing its construction. Currently, this dam is unused. The site is impressive because of the steepness of the river gorge.
The 'Kick of St. James'. It marks a footprint on the rock whose origin is attributed to an alleged visit made by the Apostle to the area.
Local celebrations
There are 3 official fiestas known as Festes Majors in ValencianValencian
Valencian is the traditional and official name of the Catalan language in the Valencian Community. There are dialectical differences from standard Catalan, and under the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua has been established as its regulator...
(Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
Fiestas Mayores):
- Festes Patronals. These are held for 5 days over the last weekend of September in honour of the Virgin of MiraclesVirgin of MiraclesThe Virgin of Miracles or Saint Mary of La Rábida is a religious Roman Catholic image venerated at the La Rabida Monastery in the city of Palos de la Frontera ....
and Saints Cosme and Damian. The celebrations include religious ceremonies and recreational events such as the paellaPaellaPaella is a Valencian rice dish that originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near lake Albufera, a lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain. Many non-Spaniards view paella as Spain's national dish, but most Spaniards consider it to be a regional Valencian dish...
contest, correfocCorrefocCorrefocs ; literally in English "fire-runs") are among the most striking features present in Catalan festivals. In the correfoc, a group of individuals will dress as devils and light fireworks. While dancing to the drums of a traditional gralla, they will set off their fireworks among crowds of...
(fire-runs), music and fireworks.
- Sant Albert. This takes place for 5 days over the weekend closest to 7th August. It is celebrated by making a pilgrimage to the shrine of the saint. There are also sardines, paellaPaellaPaella is a Valencian rice dish that originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near lake Albufera, a lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain. Many non-Spaniards view paella as Spain's national dish, but most Spaniards consider it to be a regional Valencian dish...
, cucanyes (games), costume parade, orchestras, banyà (swimming).
- Mare de Déu del Miracle. In 1710 there was a severe drought with crops failing and animals dying. The men of Relleu, who never went to church, all agreed to attend and pray for rain. Their prayers were answered and the drought ended. April 11 commemorates the miracle of the Mare de Déu del Miracle (Mother of God of the Miracle) with flowers, revetla (dancing outdoors at night) and processions. This is primarily a religious festival.
Other fiestas:
- Rodar les Aixames. This fiesta which is performed in only a handful of towns (Jijona/Xixona, TibiTibi, AlicanteTibi is a municipality in the comarca of Alcoià, Alicante, Valencia, Spain....
, Torremanzanas and Relleu), takes place on the evening of December 24th. It is a festival of pagan origin in which torches (aixames) are lit and spun around. The people (mostly children) parade through the streets. There have been cases of children being burnt but the tradition is considered to be of historic importance and it continues to be given permission by the town hall.
- La Matança (Slaughter). Is celebrated on the day of St. AnthonyAnthony the GreatAnthony the Great or Antony the Great , , also known as Saint Anthony, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of Egypt, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, Abba Antonius , and Father of All Monks, was a Christian saint from Egypt, a prominent leader among the Desert Fathers...
(closest weekend to Jan 17th) in memory of the date when, historically the locals slaughtered their pigs. At the end of the ceremony the public are invited to taste the meat, all accompanied by the town musicians.
- Concurs d'Alfàbegues (Basil contest). This fiesta is relatively new. It started in 2000 and is held two weeks before the festival of Mare de Déu del Miracle. It is a revival of an old fiesta which was historically held on August 15th in honour of Mare de Déu Gità .The aim of the fiesta is to engage people in planting and caring for plants/trees. Prizes are given on Sunday for the best plants.
Gastronomy
The local dishes are "Olleta de Blat" (literally in EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
'big pot of wheat') a bean, pork rib and black pudding stew. The "Borra" made with spinach, cauliflower, sausages and cod.
"Faseura" with corn cakes. Plus the various "coques
Coca (pastry)
The coca is a pastry typically made and consumed in Catalonia, eastern parts of Aragon, most of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Andorra and in French Catalonia....
" (sweet or savoury bread based cakes) named "Farcida", "Escaldà", or "a la Paleta".