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 The capital of the Upper Vinapolo is a town
hardened by history. It was the capital of the Seigneury and Dukedom of Villena, which comprised towns of the provinces. Its Lord was the famous medieval novelist, Don
Juan Manuel, nephew of Alfonso X the Wise.
It is an important crossroads between Castile, Murcia and Valencia, to which it is the entry point and
border. Its historic importance and the lateness of its incorporation into the province of Alicante(1836) are outstanding points in its cultural uniqueness. Being a plateau town facilitated
both its road connections and its dry farming which produces a famous wine.
Today it is a modern town with a very large industry making
children’s shoes and a growing level of services and commerce with the neighboring towns. The first sight in Alicante province,
coming from Madrid, is the imposing Atalaya castle. The historic centre of Villena developed around the National Monument of the Church of Santiago, next to which are the Casa de Cultura, the
Fiesta House and Museum, the Town Hall and the two main commercial arteries, Calle Corredera and Calle Contitución.
Population 31555
Altitude 505m
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