Contemporary History

Contemporary History

Since the mid-nineteenth century the population was involved in an unstoppable process of decline, falling to 219 people as a result, among other factors, the scourge of the century, major epidemics such as cholera.

For the moment we have an important document, the "Dictionary of Statistics, Geography, History of Spain and its overseas provinces" (1850) of D. Pascual Madoz, which gives us a detailed picture of the town in mid-nineteenth century:

"ORCHETA: l. with council. The prov. Alicante (6 leg.), Part. Jud. Villajoyosa (1) aud. Terr., Cg and dióc. Valencia (22). SIT. In a ravine surrounded by mountains, the marg. der. R. Sella, dist. about 2 hours from the sea: he beat NE winds., causing much damage and grooved down Relleu between mountains and the people, their WEATHER is temperate, and the most common diseases tercianas, which since 1839 have increased significantly.

It has 444 houses of 2 storeys and generally fab. regular, although there are some 3, which are distributed in 9 quite wide and straight streets, a plaza facing the igl. 450 of long spans. and 70 lat., squares and 2 minor must hall, which is small for the municipal elections, an ant. palace where lived the Commander of the Order of Santiago, whose ground floor is for prison, school children to contribute to about 30, with 1,300 rs. Another 16 girls and 750 rs assistance. endowment, and a igl. para. (Santiago) served by a priest of entry and provision of regular and alternate healing village.

The temple was built from 1759 to 61 have been established in 25 July 1764, a building is quite solid, but of stone and lime, so that his tower, which is quite high and in good shape, with its clock and 3 bells, is three naves, and the main spans of 429 long, 78 wide and 80 high, with even greater 9 altars dedicated to St. James, all of wood and worked well. The cemetery was attached to the igl. But in 1817 was another to the top of the pop., Dist. 200 steps, which is quite capable and ventilated.

Term confines. by N. Sella with the E. Finestrat, S. Villajoyosa, and O. Relleu: extension of N. S. is one hour, 2 E. O. In his radio are 6 houses several gypsum mines, and E. the people and a fairly high mountain Este, grown on their roots, and almost bald on top.

The terrain is uneven, as almost all degrees and small banks, none reached 8 hours plowing: 900 includes wages planted dry almond, carob and some olive trees, and 1,000 of which is irrigated orchard with the waters of the r. Sella, and empties into the lower Relleu called Amadori, forming them and several streams and ravines to be incorporated, the r. Villa, which drains into the sea at Villajoyosa. Roads are local, horseshoe and not very good. The mail was received by a village in charge of the council. three times a week. PROD. Wheat, barley, corn, almonds, carob beans, wine, oil, vegetables, fruit, especially peaches and some vegetables; kept sheep, and there are hunting rabbits, hares and partridges. IND. : Agriculture, weaving cloth 2 common, several fab. gypsum, to take people comarcanos, flour mills and 2.

The trade will be reduced to esportación fruit, firewood and flour to Villajoyosa, which occupy some vec traffic. and the import of salt, rice and other art. that they lack: a cotton canvas tent. Village. : 219 vec., 876 alm. CAP. PROD: 1228.433 real. IMP. : 54.658. Contr. : 6402: the municipal budget is rs 8000. Which is covered with the prod. means of delivery and neighbors. "

At present, it is true that many small towns in the interior of the Valencia are now in a difficult situation after the crisis of agricultural models, suffering a slow process of depopulation and economic stagnation. However, a very different picture emerges at present for those towns in the so-called "second shoreline," thanks to the momentum generated by the tourism sector in the search for alternatives to the "sun and beach tourism," in constant growth and that our country can become a key factor of social and economic recovery.

Within this context would fit perfectly for Orxeta with a natural environment and cultural heritage privileged, well connected and close to the coast and population centers where tourism (Benidorm, Villajoyosa, Altea ...), all ingredients which are very favorable for this model of development.

Thanks to rapid growth in recent years, Orxeta can now boast of being a tourist town with a wide range of modern facilities and quality of tourism services, which greatly satisfy the needs of visitors.

Do not hesitate, not venture into the heart of the valley and live an unforgettable experience.