Culture of Benidorm. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Benidorm will attract not only fans of beach rest, but also fans of exciting excursions. Its territory is the location of a huge number of historical monuments. Here are opened numerous interesting museums and galleries. Beautiful Gran Hotel is one of the most striking sights of Benidorm. This is the highest hotel complex in Europe and a true example of modern architecture. The height of the building estimates 186 meters. The construction of the magnificent skyscraper was completed in 2002. Any visitor is allowed to go up to the observation deck, which is organized on the top floor of a skyscraper, and admire gorgeous looks of the city from a bird's-eye view. During your walk in the city one can see a lot of high buildings. Because of such large number of skyscrapers Benidorm is often called "the Spanish Manhattan".

Of course, there are many natural attractions in the city. Puig Campana Mountain is definitely one of them. Even tallest skyscrapers look tiny in comparison with this mountain. Its picturesque hills are great for hiking, and excursion routes cover the most interesting and attractive destinations. The names of many historic streets and avenues speak for themselves - Uruguay Avenue, Beijing Street, Mediterranean Sea Avenue. Each of these streets is home to numerous historic buildings, colorful restaurants and shops. If you make a walk in Calle de los Gatos Street, you will reach a beautiful old castle. This castle is considered a virtual boundary between the old and the new parts of the city.

Iglesia de Sant Jaume is widely known among the religious sites of the city. The beautiful cathedral is distinguished not only by its unique architectural shape and skillful design of the facade, but also by the richest selection of valuable artifacts and ancient icons that decorate its halls. Aigera Park is a no less interesting object of excursions. The design of the park is the result of work of the renowned architect Ricardo Bofill. Visitors of the park continuously praise its original flower beds and neatly trimmed decorative shrubs. There is also a special zone for picnics in the park. It will perfectly fit family rest. Besides numerous historical and architectural attractions, Benidorm is famous for its theme parks and sports centers. Its suburban areas are the location of golf clubs, tennis roots and water parks. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Benidorm has interesting museums – the Centro Cultural Maritimo for example, where visitors can get acquainted with the marine culture of south-eastern Spain and the traditional craft of the region; fishing to be precise. You will find it very interesting to visit the Museo Boca del Calvari. Among the exhibits you will come across here are photographs, books, as well as handicrafts. You should also stopover at Valor Museo Del Chocolate, and you are sure to like it here – because you have the opportunity to taste chocolate and learn the secrets of its production, at absolutely no cost. Young citizens will also like the Exposicion Los Clicks Toman, which features many layouts of the popular Playmobil designer.

A walk through Placa del Castell will be a kind of gift for everyone who chooses to visit Benidorm – this is perhaps one of the most beautiful streets in the city. You should pay attention to such architectural monuments as Ancla (some sort of open-air museum with military equipment, enclosed by a snow-white fence, which once had a fortress that was conquered by Napoleon), Mirador del Castell (a beautiful snow-white arch), as well as Parroquia de San Jaime y Santa Ana (a church which was built in the year 1780 in the “neoclassical” style. The most important Christian holidays are held here). Furthermore, the church opens up a beautiful view of the city and the sea.

Stunning views also open up from Balcon del Mediterraneo, from where you can see the magnificent beaches of Benidorm and the city itself. You can behold especially beautiful views in the evening, when the city is beautifully illuminated with lights, which gives it a certain amount of romance. This is also a frequent venue for concerts and performances.

Among the other religious monuments in the city, Ermita Virgen del Mar, which is considered by many locals to be the most beautiful chapel in Benidorm, is also worth mentioning. Besides the fact that it is located on a mountain, and as a result offers a stunning view of the city, the shrine itself is interesting both from an architecture point of view and due to its interior decoration. When climbing to the skete, you can see beautiful houses, which are also interesting with regards architecture. One more interesting church bears the name Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen. It is distinguished for the fact that it was built in a modern style and integrated into a multi-storey residential building. Despite this, the sanctuary is very spacious inside. Strolling or sunbathing on the beach of Poniente offers you views of the stunning skyscraper, Intempo. The building is very beautifully combined with views of Benidorm; you should definitely take a glimpse of it.