Audioguía de Ayora: Un Viaje por Ermitas, Castillos y Piedras Sagradas

As you approach the next stop, take a look to your left. You'll spot the Castillo de Ayora, a stunning, albeit weathered, fortress. The remnants of the castle are quite prominent, with their sturdy stone walls rising directly from the rocky terrain. Look for the large quadrangular structure, featuring a mix of stone and exposed rammed-earth construction. The Castle of Ayora sits proudly at 552 meters (1,811 feet) above sea level, right in the heart of Ayora. This grand structure likely dates back to the mid-13th century, built after the Reconquista on top of an ancient Arabian building. Imagine a massive architectural ensemble that consisted of a four-storey residence-palace, a couple of fortified towns, and a large keep surrounded by defensive walls stretching about 0.62 miles (1,000 meters). It even had aljibes - those ingenious medieval cisterns for collecting rainwater. The castle has quite a history. It was reduced to ruins by Philip V’s troops during the War of the Spanish Succession. Despite the destruction, the keep, the distinctive Puerta Falsa (Fake Door) with the coat of arms of the Marchioness of Cenete, defensive walls, towers, buckets, moats, and cisterns still stand out. Declared a property of cultural interest in 2006, the castle's timeline is a bustling narrative of power shifts. From the Aragonese capturing it in the 13th century, to the Treaty of Almizra handing it to the Castilians, and the Treaty of Elche placing it back under Aragonese control in 1305 - Ayora has seen it all. The 16th century brought its transformation into a palace, commissioned by Lady Mencía de Mendoza. However, in 1707, the castle was taken by assault, looted, and set ablaze by Philip V’s troops, leaving it largely in ruins. The site was revisited and described as ruined by botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in 1797, and further damaged by French forces in 1812. Wandering around this historical site, try to visualize its bustling past - from its strategic defensive role to its once opulent halls and lush gardens, surrounded by vast walls. The stories these ruins could tell would make any historian's heart race!

Alright, you're currently approaching the Church of Saint Mary Major, also known as the Hermitage of San Blas! As you walk, keep an eye to your left. The church is situated at the foot of the castle and is framed by its historical Gothic architecture. Now, let me paint you a picture: picture a beautiful, rustic church with a single nave covered by a wooden ceiling supported by diaphragm arches. The church's structure goes way back to the 13th century, but it was expanded in the 15th century and got a facelift in the 18th century. You’re standing in front of a building that’s seen centuries pass by! Declared a Cultural Interest Site on September 28, 2007, it has this fancy Spanish Ministry of Culture identifier: RI-510012138. Fancy, right? This old parish church has an intriguing architectural style typical of the reconquista period, featuring a single nave with a wooden framework resting on those striking diaphragm arches. It stretches out in four sections with chapels nestled between the buttresses, and a unique trapezoidal apse that adds a twist to the design. Take a look inside-note the pointed diaphragm arches that separate the sections; some of them are a bit askew due to renovations over time. The lateral chapels are accessed via round arches, and a couple of them feature ribbed vaults, while the rest have vaulted ceilings. Look closely at the wooden ceiling of the trapezoidal apse, and you’ll spot a depiction of the Virgin Mary flanked by two angels holding the village’s coat of arms. Externally, marveled with Arab tiles; the nave is covered with a gabled roof, transitioning to a three-sided roof at the head. Oh, and those initial four segments match perfectly because they likely form part of the original construction in the 13th century, pieced together over time. This little treasure served as the main local church until another church, dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, took over in the 16th century. Talk about being replaced by a younger model! Since then, it has seen various dedications until finally settling as the Hermitage of San Blas. Enjoy soaking in the historical vibes of this marvelous church!

As you approach stop number 6, the Covered Cross of Ayora, keep an eye on your right and look for a structure that stands out due to its distinct architectural elements. You'll spot a stone cross gracefully encased within a square pavilion. This pavilion has a charming, traditional look with a four-sided tiled roof resting on sturdy wooden beams supported by four stone pillars. Now, let me tell you about this fascinating landmark in a fun way: The Covered Cross of Ayora, or the Cross of Saint Anthony, is a Gothic stone cross proudly standing in Ayora, Valencia. Imagine a medieval monument protected by a charming little house - that's what we're looking at! This beautiful cross is housed in a square structure with a classic four-sided tiled roof, wooden beams, and stone pillars - quite the sturdy shelter for such an ancient artifact. Back in 2011, the local cultural heritage authorities recognized its historical significance and took steps to protect it as a Cultural Interest Asset. This cross, also known as the Cross of Saint Anthony, can be found on the road to Almansa, just as you leave town. Standing over two meters tall, the stone column supporting the cross is hexagonal in shape. The cross itself is finely carved, featuring a depiction of Christ crucified on one side and an image of the Virgin Mary on the other. It rests on a three-tier circular stone podium, which adds to its majestic height, making the whole structure tower over three meters tall. Constructed in the 15th century and attributed to the artist Miguel Molsós, this monument stood the test of time, silently witnessing the ebb and flow of history while being a symbolic protector for the townspeople. So, as you admire this historic gem, you’re really looking at a distinguished guard from the past!

As you make a sharp right turn, look for a charming, modest building with a whitewashed facade. The Hermitage of Saint Anthony the Abbot stands out thanks to its simple design and the small bell tower perched on the roof, topped with a single bell. You'll also notice the green door flanked by two benches. Let me tell you a bit about this delightful spot: The Hermitage of Saint Anthony the Abbot is situated just outside the urban core of Ayora, at the entrance to the town if you're coming from Almansa. It's recognized as a Site of Local Relevance with identifier number 46.19.044-006. The exact construction date of the hermitage is a mystery, but it was mentioned in parish records as early as December 18, 1555. The hermitage suffered destruction during the Spanish Civil War and was later completely reconstructed. The building has a single elongated nave. At the foot of the nave, you'll find a narthex with a single-sloped roof supported by wooden beams. Inside, four Gothic stone arches rise from the floor, holding up a flat-coffered ceiling in the center, with beams creating a dual-pitched roof-a nod to the mendicant style. The presbytery, with newly built clay flooring, features a neo-Gothic altarpiece with a niche for the statue of Saint Anthony. Also worth noting is the pulpit on the Gospel side, crafted atop an octagonal stone pillar adorned with geometric designs. I hope you've enjoyed your journey through Ayora! This hermitage marks the end of our tour, but its serene aura is the perfect spot for a moment of reflection. Until next time, happy travels!