For some reason our GPS took us down a small two lane road instead of the interstate. The views were better - so here are a few photos of our trip there.
We found our parking lot on the outskirts of town with no problems. This is the view from there.
Our first stop was at Plaza de los Chorros - It has 221 water spouts with the fountain running all around the plaza itself.
This is one side of the long fountain. The correct name of the town is Polop de la Marina.
Right next to the fountain is the house of Gabriel Miro a famous Spanish writer. The quote above translates to something like this. Village water, from this village which Siguenza drank twenty years ago as a sweetness with a slight after taste, but truly chemical, which is more lyrical truth -1924.
The fresh water comes down from the mountains. There is an irrigation system called Reg Major de l'Alfes - which we were to tired to find at the end of our day. The locals still use the water for drinking purposes. There were only 2-3 spounts actually working when we were there.
Gabriel Miro House Museum
We then headed toward the church and the castle ruins - we are still a long way away.
We did not take the time to go to the Museo Pequena Costa Magica. It, like a lot of small museums contains a mixture of things someone has collected. This one has some vintage vehicles as well as miniatures, farm equipment, trains, etc.
This restaurant is all decked out for holloween.
Many of the signs in this region are in both Spanish and in Valencian. The bottom sign has the Valencian spelling for Plaza de los Chorros.
A narrow street.
There was a street mirror to help people see if anyone is coming around a blind corner. These workman were placing a ladder next to it - which made for some interesting photos.
More street scenes.
We did not actually see that many cats on the streets of Polop. But this old photo of women preparing food outside shows a lot of cats gathering to catch the droppings.
A lot of this area of town seems to be in the process of restoration. The picture on the deck railing looks to be the Lords Supper.
This place looks finished.
Door Knocker
And right next door is this.
We arrive at the Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apostol.
Many streets lead to scenes like this one.
Back to the church. It was closed.
Shop across the way.
At the other end of the parking lot next to the church is the start to the walk to see the castle. The path leads on the top of the wall on the bottom and winds up to an area where there is a bar cafe. Then you continue up the hill back to the left and then turn to go right to end up at the top.
Rooftops from the level of the bar.
We stopped here for lunch - 3 tapas. Michael had to try the eel salad - the one right in front of him. It was the same thing as the Ensalada Russa he always orders - except instead of tuna it had eel in it. The dish on the right is ham and cheese croquettes. Our last dish of chicken fajitas came much later and we forgot to take a photo.
Views from the bar cafe.
There is a lot of farming in the area - I don't know what they were growing in those tents, but the area is known for citrus fruit, avocados, olives and almonds.
After lunch we headed up the last two switch backs.
The building at the very top is actually a cemetery. Here is a glimpse through the bars.
Here is a small section of excavated castle.
After we got back down, we sat on a bench behind the church. This cat was sitting on the edge of the balcony railing for a long time.
Notice the series of staircases going up the hill. They do love steps in Spain.
And finally - Christmas decorations. We found Polop charming and easy to get around. A really enjoyable day.
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