La Alcudia preserves the history of the Elche population, standing as an archaeological and patrimonial reference that began with the personal dedication of Alejandro Ramos Folqués. He transformed the farm into an archaeological site and a major tourist draw, a journey later carried forward by the University of Alicante. In 1996, the university acquired La Alcudia, integrating the site into a monographic museum and a leading Interpretation Center—one of the finest in Spain and Europe.
La Alcudia opens its new museum
La Alcudia Monographic Museum, a project initiated by Alejandro Ramos Folqués in 1948, takes center stage this year as it marks its 75th anniversary. The collection developed from excavations begun at the site in 1935 reflects decades of work and discovery.
“Had my grandfather looked up, he would have been astonished by the museum’s remarkable evolution,” commented Alejandro Ramos, grandson of Ramos Folqués, who now directs the La Alcudia University Foundation for Archaeological Research. The exhibition “75 years of Museo de La Alcudia” chronicles the museum’s history and its ongoing growth.
Amparo NavarroIn his speech, the Rector of Alicante University noted that while many universities steward archaeological heritage, ours manages to harness it into a living laboratory that benefits both students and researchers who explore all facets of the university’s history.
Juan Mora, Research Vice President, highlighted that La Alcudia Monographic Museum has reached notable milestones. Most recently, the university’s purchase of the site and the establishment of the Fundación Universitaria de La Alcudia de Investigacion Arqueológica enabled a comprehensive remodeling of the museum and the promotion of the entire complex through strategic master plans.
Mora added that the investments driven by the master plan have become a tangible reality thanks to a dedicated funding line from the University of Alicante and the support of the Elche City Council, which has facilitated significant discoveries in the field.
La Alcudia, from a warehouse to a museum that can be visited
As the head of the University Foundation’s Scientific Committee, Francisco Javier Jover, citing Alejandro Ramos Folqués, emphasized the central role of people in making this museum a reality. He described a shared awareness of heritage that ultimately led the University of Alicante to purchase the site in 1996. What began in an old garage and warehouse has been transformed, with the university preserving archaeological pieces and turning La Alcudia into a premier monographic museum with a top-tier interpretation center in Spain and Europe.
In addition to these remarks, members of the Elche City Council’s Cultural and Youth Council attended the opening ceremony of the 75th anniversary exhibition of the La Alcudia Monographic Museum, including attendees such as Marga Anton and provincial deputy Juan de Dios Navarro, along with other university and local officials who emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project.
These remarks reflect a broader commitment to culture, heritage management, and ongoing archaeological research that continues to draw scholars and visitors alike to La Alcudia, a site that has evolved from a humble warehouse into a renowned center for history and discovery. The initiative showcases how regional collaboration can sustain and elevate a once-private dream into a public legacy that informs both education and cultural life in Elche and beyond. Attribution: Universidad de Alicante and local cultural institutions.