LA TINENÇA DE BENIFASSÀ
ONE OF THE BEST BIODIVERSITY RESERVES OF THE COUNTRY
La Tinença de Benifassà is one of the best biodiversity reserves in Spain. The landscape is very steep, with several mountains ranging from 400 to 1,300 meters. La Tinença de Benifassà is a paradise for nature, hiking and active tourism lovers, where they can enjoy breathtaking sceneries and a wide variety of wildlife and flora.
CULTURE, HERITAGE AND HISTORY
Monastery of Santa María de Benifassà: Founded by James I the Conqueror in 1233, it was the first Cistercian convent of Valencia. In terms of architecture, different styles can be identified, such as the Romanesque entrance or the Gothic apse. It played an important role in history, functioning as a feudal possession over towns and farms creating La Tinença de Benifassà. Currently inhabited by nuns of the Order of La Cartuja de San Bruno.
Cave paintings from la Cova dels Rossegadors: They are in a cave near the reservoir of Ulldecona. Their location is due to the proximity to the river, where people used to cultivate the land and raise animals.
The Iberian settlement of La Morranda and iron mines; sites of the ancient Iberian settlement of La Morranda. Location quite high (2 km from Ballestar) which allows a highly favourable defense. Some ceramic remains have been exhibited in the town.
El Jardí de Peter: Garden with original sculptures and structures built with very colourful elements typical in forests and recycled materials. Peter Buch has been building for 25 years a paradise full of fantasy, combining different techniques.
LANDSCAPESOF TINENÇA
El Portell de l’Infern, el Salt de Robert, la Tenalla, el Tossal dels Tres Reis, natural waterfalls, the river Senia or the reservoir of Ulldecona are only a few places worth visiting. At the heart of this nature reserve we find towns as La Pobla de Benifassà, Ballestar, Coratxà, Fredes and El Boixar, which are small and picturesque, offering visitors a unique scenery for peace, tranquility and rural tourism. These locations, along with Castell de Cabres and Bel, are the seven towns that are in this park. Cave paintings, the Iberian settlement, the old path of the Maquis or the park el Jardí de Peter are also important artistic and cultural treasures, full of history and legends. One of the jewels of this area is the monumental Monastery of Santa Maria de Benifassà, built in the 13th century and with a great influence on people throughout history.
RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
Romanesque churches from the 13th century:
Romanesque churches of la Tinença, scattered in seven villages, are the oldest in Valencia. We can highlight l’Església de l’Assumpció in la Pobla de Benifassà and Sant Jaume in Coratxà.
MICRORESERVE IN TINENÇA
Reservoir of Ulldecona: In this spot, you can swim or sail with canoe or skates while enjoying the lush greenery and mountains.
Microreserves:
Salt de Robert
Font de l’Ombria
Punta de Solà d’en Brull
Pouet de Félix
Portell de l’Infern
Racó dels Presseguers
Tossal de Cervera
Molí de l’Abad
Mas de Preraire
Tossal de Mitjavila
Tossal del Rey
Guided active tourism: in la Tinença there are several companies that carry out active tourism tours, such as hiking, biking, horse riding, 4×4 photo safari or bird watching and contact with nature.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
Sant Antoni, in la Pobla de Benifassà
Date: January
Festa dels Apòstols
Pilgrimage to la Font de la Caritat, with popular lunch and a party
Date: 1st of May
St. Barnabé Festivities in El Boixar
Date: closest weekend to 11th of June
Festivities in different population centres – Coratxà, Festivities honouring San Jaime (weekend closest to July 25th)
Ballestar, Festivities in honour of San Salvador (1st week of August)
Pobla de Benifassà, dedicated to the Assumption and the Apostles (2nd week of August)
Fredes, Festivals of the Apostles (2nd weekend of August)
