What to see in Pego

As you enter Pego from the Denia side you will find the new tourist office close to the first roundabout. Pick up a town plan here and head for the Plaza de Ayuntamiento (Council Square), where you will find the best sights.

The Town Hall

This superb building also houses a tourist information office. Located in the Plaza de Ayuntamiento.

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

This beautiful Renaissance church dates from the 16th century and was built over the remains of a former mosque. Building the church suffered a great setback due to the earthquake of 1644. This impressive church has a basilica shape with three naves. The main door is called the Puerta de Mediodia (Mid-day gate) and opens out onto the main square. The interior of the church is equal to its exterior and houses some rare treasures.

A short walk from the Plaza de Ayuntamiento you will find:

The Capilla del Ecce-Homo (Behold the man)

This church dates from the 18th century. The architect was a Franciscan monk by the name of Francisco Cabezas and he designed the church with an octagonal shape. From the outside, the church is quite plain but the blue glass tiled roof makes up for it. Above the front door is a niche with a statue of the Ecce-Homo. The bell tower rises above the church and is of triangular shape. This is unusual in Valencia but was designed this way due to lack of space. The building was once a hospital.

The Portal de Sala

This is the last remaining of Pego's three ancient gates. In Medieval times this gate led through to the vegetable gardens. The stonework dates from 1291.

Franciscan Convent and Church of the Holy Family

This relatively new building was inaugurated in 1894 and the church in 1901. The bell tower was finished in the 90's. The building has plain lines and solid construction and a bell tower with four sections.

This spacious plaza is lined with trees and features a beautiful fountain. This is one of the most popular places to meet in Pego.

There are play areas for children and ample benches in the shade of the trees. Around the plaza there is free on-street parking, an ideal base from which to explore Pego.

Museums in Pego

The cultural centre on C/Sant Domenec houses the library and archives and two museums. The Ethnological Museum shows what life was like in Pego over the centuries including an insight into the local rice production industry. Pictured right is an exhibit of what an office would have looked like.

On the lower floor is the Contemporary Art Museum with a large display of modern art. Entry to both museums is free and they are open 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm Monday to Saturday. In July and August the opening hours are reduced to 8am-2pm.

Pictured right is the Cultural Centre. It has an inner courtyard in which a piece of the original city wall can be seen. This is a short walk from the church and main plaza.

Fiestas in Pego

Throughout the Valencian region, Pego is often referred to as the 'fiesta capital' due to the amount of energy that is put into the many fiestas. As well as the usual Easter and Christmas celebrations, Pego fiestas in every month. March is the busiest in Pego when the annual carnival is held. The Moors and Christians is held in July, with bull running a week before. See more about fiestas in this region here.

The area surrounding Pego

Pego is surrounded by the most stunning countryside. There is the backdrop of the mountains on one side and the plains on the other. You don't have to travel far from Pego to see dozens of small viallges. There is an abundance of ornage groves and natural areas. A couple of small, un-named roads lead into the mountains where breath-taking views can be had. Many of these roads are unsuitable for anything other than 4x4 vehicles or walking. One of the best is the walk to the Cabal Summit. This is the peak of the Cabal Mountain and the most spectacular in the valley. At 598m high, the views are excellent.

Walks around Pego

Being surrounded by such beautiful countryside, there's no wonder that the Pego area is ideal for walkers. The designated walking routes around Pego are designed for all abilities and range from 2-5 hours duration. The tourist office have a handy leaflet entitled 'Walking around Pego and Les Valls' that lists suggested routes.

Idealspain travels

After exploring Pego we avoid the main roads and take the mountain pass, heading for Vall d'Ebo. It's hard going but well worth it for the views alone. Close to the peak we come across fields of almond trees in full bloom. On arrival in Vall d'Ebo, a tiny little village, the countryside is totally unique. The River Ebo runs as a trickle through the valley. There's a guy here who runs day trips on donkeys as well as a wide variety of country persuits. (www.activitats-lamarinalta.com). From here we head towards Planes with its huge dam and the stunning castle at Planes de la Bolonia.