Llutxent

photo by www.ontinyentdigital.com 

The Monastery of Corpus Christi near Llutxent dates from 1422 when Dominican monks began its construction, and in fact the first Valencian University was housed here.  Right by the monastery you will find the Corpus Christi Church, built in a Mediterranean  Gothic style, and which was declared a national monument in 1982.
To view the inside of the Monastery make an appointment at the Town Hall Telf. 962 294 001.

 The castle of Xio, is located about two kilometers from  Llutxent on top of a hill,  in the foothills of Mount  Buixcarró. Xio Castle  still has its perimeter walls eight centuries after its construction which says something for the Arabic architecture.

Xio Castle controlled the natural route linking the Mediterranean coast (Cullera-Dénia) with the interior (Alcoy-Albaida, Ontinyent) and the route linking Xàtiva to Dénia. This castle had a large role during the thirteenth century, especially when Muslims revolted against the conquering monarch, King James I of Aragon. Between Xio Castle and Mont Sant (where now is  the monastery ) there was a bloody battle, which was  finally won by the Christian army.

 

  Google Map of llutxent

 

  Links

http://www.llutxent.com/

 > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llutxent