Visit to La Alcudia and MAHE

Like all the southeast of Spain, the province of Alicante has been an exceptional witness to its history, since the area has been home to the most important ancient civilisations: Ibers, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. As a result of the heritage left behind by so many different peoples, this province has one of the most important examples of cultural heritage in Europe.

Aware of the area's archaeological treasures, for some years now the Provincial Council of Alicante has developed a great number of projects and activities aimed at establishing and publicising the cultural treasures left by the past in Alicante. Accordingly, the European Residents Department has launched a programme of visits to archaeological sites in the province of Alicante, an initiative aimed at citizens from other States of the European Union who have set up their residence in this province learning about the history, customs and traditions of the people of Alicante with a view to greater social cohesion and integration.

This visit will focus on the Iber-Roman site of La Alcudia, located in the town of Elche, and shall be completed with a visit to the town's Archaeological and History Museum (MAHE).

Site of La Alcudia
The site of La Alcudia is located near the modern-day town of Elche and very near to the River Vinalopó. The site was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period to the beginning of the Islamic era (6th century), although the settlement reached its zenith during the Iberian and Roman periods and the most significant finds belong to these cultures.
Indeed, it was on this site where, in 1897, the most important work of Iberian art was found: the figure known as the Lady of Elche. It is a bust sculpted between the 4th and 5th century BC. It is made of fine limestone and represents an Iberian priestess or goddess dressed in the clothing and jewels typical of the Iberian people.
The site also has buildings of great interest, especially with regard to the Iberian and Roman constructions, with typical Roman houses, sewers and baths conserved in excellent condition and a temple dedicated to Juno.

Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE)
The day is completed with a visit to the MAHE, which is situated in the historical centre of the town of Elche inside the fortress known as the Palace of Altamira, a building that is worth a visit on its own, but even more so now that it is home to this museum.
At the MAHE, visitors can see the history of the town of Elche from its origins to present day, where all the content is presented in an entertaining and interactive way. The museum is divided into two sections: archaeology and history. The first covers the period from the origins to the end of the Visigoth era and the arrival of the first Arabian settlers. The second begins with the foundation of the new town by the Moslems and continues up to modern day.
The new technologies that have been generally incorporated into this museum mean that the information is presented to visitors in a simple, educational manner and the technology used helps achieve a cultural leisure service of high quality.

Typical local gastronomy
The visit will be completed with a typical local rice dish: arroz con costra. This dish combines the traditional rice dish of Valencia with a top layer of baked eggs.

In Spain, the province of Alicante hosts the largest number of European residents in its territory. The Provincial Townhall of Alicante and SUMA are aware of the needs of the population and our goal is to promote and continuously work for the full integration of all citizens.

The lectures will be given by specialized staff from SUMA in English, French, German and Dutch.