48 Members arrived for our first U3A trip to Novelda. A town in Alicante Province important for quarries and mines of marble, limestone, silica, clay and gypsum. It is a major centre of the marble industry.
First port of call was a little out of town at the Monastery of Santa Maria Magdalena which has a church designed by a disciple of Gaudi. There were plenty of photo opportunities and some stunning views. Some of our group also visited the Moorish Mola Castle. Others enjoyed a coffee and enjoyed the views.
After our stop here our driver Oviedo dropped us in town where we had a few hours to discover the town and of course find somewhere good for lunch! Many of us headed straight to the Tourist Info Office where the very helpful staff recommended places to visit.
One of the recommendations was a visit to the Casino de Novelda which was built in 1888. It has various architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Neoclassicism and Baroque! In its past it was used as a military hospital. A few of our group were in the lovely bar/restaurant enjoying a glass of the local wine and an early lunch.
Other members visited the Casa Museo Modernista. Built in 1903. It has 3 floors, unique staircase and a patio bedecked with white marble columns.
We enjoyed an excellent Menu Del Dia and it was soon time to be heading back to the coach. It was good to hear about the meals other members of the group had enjoyed and what good value they were.
We had a good trip back to Jalon and a raffle with some shopping centre vouchers to be won.
A great day out topped by lovely weather too!
Carole Wardle
Photos: Sheila Skinner