Villena

Villena is a typically Spanish city, It is part of the valencian community. You will fine Villena nestled at the most northwesterly point of Alicante. Villena borders with Castilla-La Mancha to the west  and to the north with the province of Valencia, to the east and south with the provinces of Alicante and Murcia. It is the capital of the comarca of the Alto Vinalopó. The municipality of Villena has an area of approximately 345.6 km² and a population of 34,928 inhabitants, Figures as of 2009
The first evidence of settlement in Villena is from Middle Paleolithic.
However, it is in dispute whether or not the current city dates from visigothic times or from before before, though without doubt it existed in the 11th century, during the Muslim period. After the Christian conquest, it became Seigneurie, Principality, Duchy and finally Marquisate, until the townsfolk, encouraged by the Catholic Monarchs, held a revolution against the marquis. In 1525 Charles V conceded the title of City to Villena.
This was to be the most prosperous period, economically, as shown by the monuments that survive even today.
Although a railway station was inaugurated in 1858,the local economy remained mainly agricultural until the rural exode that took place in the 1960s. Then, the economic model changed radically. Now the current economy is based mainly on tertiary sector and industry, chiefly footwear, construction and furniture.
The historic city of Villena and surrounding towns contain many important historical finds, among them are two castles and several churches, hermitages, squares and palaces, along with a number of museums, the one that stands out the most is the Archaeological Museum "José María Soler". Among the main cultural events are the Moors and Christians (Moros y cristianos) fiesta and the Concurso de Jóvenes Intérpretes "Ruperto Chapí" (Juvenile Interpreters Contest).

Villena Map