The Chapel of the Virgin of the Lilies, Font Roja Natural Park, Alcoy (Alcoi)
A pilgrimage by people from the city of Alcoy (or Alcoi in Valencian), in the Valencia region of Spain, takes place every year. Thousands of Alcoy residents make this 12 km, steep, uphill walk following a statue of the Virgin Mary adorned with lilies, via various churches in Alcoy, to a spring, near the top of the mountain, known as the Font Roja. The pilgramage is to honour one of the city’s patron saints, The Virgin of the Lilies. This normally takes place on the third Sunday in September and commemorates a “miracle” that took place in 1653, when the image of the Virgin Mary appeared on the bulbs of wild lilies. The setting of the final part of this event can be seen for miles around and is in the middle of a the Font Roja natural park. The terminus of the pilgrimage is adjacent to a magnificent white building which is visible from miles around. Crowned with a cupola and huge white statue of the Virgin Mary it looks from a distance like a very large church or monastery hanging precariously to the mountainside.
Other than on festival days it is possible to drive up a very steep winding and narrow road to the park’s main parking lot. When you eventually reach the parking lot it becomes clear that that the building that you have been looking at is, in fact, three different entities. Firstly, to the left, is the old 19th century chapel itself, dedicated to the Virgin of the Lilies, but the other two of much newer construction (opened in only 2004). Next to the chapel there is the visitors centre provided by the Valencia region government (with a small museum and interpretive centre) and on the right, in the same building, is the University of Alicante’s ecological research station. The newer building, although very modern, blends sympathetically with the old.
The University building itself is not open to the public but around it is one of the main attractions, a publicly accessible “walk of faith” type of balcony with a perforated stainless steel floor and glass and stainless railing. The views from this balcony are outstanding but it is not for the feint hearted.
In the early 20th century there was a small permanent community at this site which made its living by such activities as charcoal production and the burning of lime. The park authorities provide a replica of a charcoal kiln and a restored lime kiln with some interesting information boards. The row of houses has become derelict but the authorities are in the process of restoring the building to create a hotel and mountain chalets.
The park itself extends to 2500 ha and is well provided with hiking trails etc. The natural Mediterranean mountain flora and flora protected in the park are becoming increasingly rare and includes the genet, a type of wild cat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwdW2ofoik). There are also golden eagles, Bonelli’s eagles and vultures.
Know Before You Go
If driving from Alicante leave the A-7 freeway at the N-340 heading towards Alcoy (just before the new road tunnels). Just as you enter the urban area (several miles along a very scenic route overlooking the Barranco de la Batalla ) you will see signs to Font Roja. It is to the left but the turn requires you to use one of the unusual Spanish left turn systems (which initially requires you to turn right out of traffic then stop). Once you drive past the municipal cemetery you will soon be able to see the large white building high up on the mountainside. Then just follow the signs.
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