Elche
What
a classy little city. It is famouse for its groves of over 200,000 palm trees. Suposedly the first palm tress were plamted by the Phoenicians but it was the Arabs who introduced irrigation in the 8th Century. MAHE, the museum of archaeology in an old castle/fort which
dates back to Arab times. The museum made a big play of Arab input to the region. The restored building and its interesting ceramics were excellent. I went to the cathedral which is similar to Alicante - severe and plain with
no paintings but lots of mediocre plaster Jesus/Mary/Saints. The downtown
area shows signs of recession with lots of closed shops. Lots of bargain lunches to be had but I pressed on. By chance came to a small
park and rested then saw a nice cafe. Serrano ham sandwich on lovely bread,
two glasses of rosada for 4.50 Euros.
As it happened I was right around the corner from the Huerta del Cura (my destination) which is a real gem. Palm trees from everywhere but so much more .. cacti, cyads, a small area of bamboo and flowers. This is all laid out around pools and ponds with paths making concentric rings which make the garden seem larger than it actually is. Brilliant place.
As it happened I was right around the corner from the Huerta del Cura (my destination) which is a real gem. Palm trees from everywhere but so much more .. cacti, cyads, a small area of bamboo and flowers. This is all laid out around pools and ponds with paths making concentric rings which make the garden seem larger than it actually is. Brilliant place.
Huerto del Cura
Palm tree in a Zimmer Frame
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