Transfer Heritage. Art by Value Juan Gil-Albert of the Cultural Institute of Alicante delivered a speech this week. A double session at Novelda focused on the Mola Castle, with archaeologist Jose Ramón Ortega set to teach on Thursday and then lead a guided tour of the fortress on Saturday. The events underscore a renewed interest in the site’s long, layered history and its role in regional cultural memory, drawing attendees from nearby communities and travelers curious about Iberian fortifications that blend military function with daily life in medieval Spain.
HE Gómez Tortosa de Novelda Cultural Center will host on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. a talk recounting the history of this singular fort, which has been recognized as Cultural Interest since 1931. On Saturday, visitors will have the opportunity to verify on-site the explanations provided by José Ramón Ortega, who will also coordinate a guided exploration of the building. The sessions aim to illuminate how the fortress functioned within its landscape, connecting listeners with the human stories etched into its walls and the surrounding valleys where the Vinalopó flows.
Castillo de la Mola comprises a fortress and its albacar and is regarded by scholars as an exemplary instance of Almohad-era Islamic military architecture preserved in the Vinalopó valley. Excavation campaigns within the fortified precinct have revealed a mosaic of domestic spaces and structures that speak to daily life across centuries: cisterns that stored rainwater, a kitchen furnished with built-in cupboards and permanent benches, a storage area for grain and provisions, rooms used for banquets, a prison cell, and a mill—each feature contributing to a richer portrait of inhabitants across different historical phases. Today, these discoveries are housed in nearby venues that showcase the region’s architectural and historical heritage. The site’s remains offer a tangible thread through which visitors can trace the evolution of settlement, defense, and domestic routines amid the broader currents of Mediterranean history and architectural influence.
Jose Ramón Ortega holds an archaeology and history degree from the University of Alicante. He has led numerous architectural and archaeological interventions at varied sites and castles across the province of Alicante. Presently, he serves as a manager and archaeologist at ARPA Patrimonio, a firm dedicated to archaeology, restoration, and heritage management. Ortega’s work situates Castillo de la Mola within a broader context of preservation and interpretation, helping communities and visitors alike connect with an enduring legacy that spans cultural, economic, and social dimensions. His insights bridge scholarly research and public understanding, making complex heritage accessible while prioritizing responsible conservation and stewardship for future generations. [Source: ARPA Patrimonio]