Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche

Alicante Province


This museum is a superb introduction to the town's long and eventful history. Everything is particularly well displayed and labelled, and it occupies both a purpose-built building and the town's castle. Starting with archaeological finds from the Neolithic, you progress into history of the Muslim occupation and Reconquest. In the castle's keep, a replica of the famous Dama de Elche statue holds pride of place; locals live in hope that the original will return from Madrid one day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Alicante Province attractions

1. Basílica de Santa María

0.07 MILES

This vast baroque church with its trademark blue dome is used for performances of the Misteri d’Elx. The interior is lofty and imposing with a…

2. Parque Municipal

0.1 MILES

This lovely park on the northern side of central Elche is one of several appealing places to stroll among the rustling palm trees. A small visitor centre…

3. Museu de la Festa

0.1 MILES

Near the basilica where the Misteri d'Elx is performed, Museu de la Festa offers a multimedia presentation, complete with virtual Apostle, about the drama…

4. Museu del Palmerar

0.37 MILES

In a former farmhouse, this museum is all about the date palm and the intricate blanched, woven fronds used throughout Spain in Palm Sunday rites. Wander…

5. Huerto del Cura

0.44 MILES

In the Islamic world, a garden is considered a form of Paradise. Elche’s past and culture couldn’t therefore be any more obvious than in these privately…

6. L'Alcúdia

2.04 MILES

This well-documented site is 3.5km south of the town centre. The Dama de Elche, a masterpiece of Iberian art that’s now in Madrid, was unearthed here…

7. Mercado Central

12.74 MILES

Alicante's main market hall is a feast for the eyes and other senses. Dating from the 1920s, it has a few Modernista flourishes; it suffered extensive…

8. Museu de Fogueres

12.77 MILES

In addition to a wealth of photographs, costumes and the most popular ninot (effigy) of each year, saved from their normal fiery fate by popular vote,…