The Medieval Age

The Medieval Age

It is especially medieval times when we have numerous references in historical texts Orxeta also abundant material evidence recovered by archaeological interventions undertaken in recent years.

Orxeta, no doubt, was for much of its history rather than Muslims. Their prosperity was reflected in its population growth, from the 275 souls of the Moorish population of 1563 to 800 in 1602. This growth was interrupted during the reign of Philip III, in 1609, for the expulsion of the Moors, which involved the loss of 71.8% of its population being reduced to 225. However, the town does not appear to participate revolts and uprisings that occurred in the region, thanks to the work of Commander Jerome Ferrer for obedience. It was for this reason, by Philip III, granted after the expulsion, the Commendation of the Order of Santiago and its Comendadoras possession of lands that had previously belonged to the Moors of Orxeta within the demarcation of Villajoyosa.

Was not always so. The Charter of La Puebla Vila Joiosa of 8 May 1300 issued by Bernat Sarriá and written by the notary public Bassa Sunday in Barcelona, from which subsequent copies are known, refers to the founding of Vila Joiosa within the Territorial Lordship of Orechita (Orxeta) and Torres, who was given seven years earlier by the Master of the Order of Santiago, Don Juan de Ozores, the then Admiral Bernat Sarriá. This donation Orxeta and Torres was answered by Don Pedro Ferrandes of Hixars (bastard son of James I), as it was within his administration since 1257. Failed lawsuit on behalf of Don Pedro Ferrandes on May 5 of 1311. However, in 1312, James II ordered the surrender of the Lordship of the Commander of Orxeta Montalbán, and belonging to the Order of Santiago, Artal D'Orta. Something that would have reasons to do with defensive strategy, as the manor was in the southwest border of the Crown of Castile.

Almohad period was known as Castle Orxeta, popularly known as the Moro Castle. " Is located on the left side of the river Sella, on a small promontory at the foot of the foothills of the Sierra de Orxeta and about 3.5 km from the town, although its current access is by urbanization Beauty Orxeta . His remains are of two rebels in a quadrangular that take advantage of steep slope. Its factory is ordinary masonry at the base, shuttering tapial of standard brick and spun in areas with incertum opus. Preserves part of its albacana semiderruida. The castle was named in a document deposited in the National Archives, citing the following:

"In nomine dey. Amen. Meet thing is this letter to all quantos Fri, as I Zeyt Abuzeyt King, grandson of Almiramamom, phage vendición and letter of firmidade to you forever more Pelay Don Perez, Master of the Order of Chivalry Santiago ea vuestrea Order suno of mine who castiellos ay Aragon, TI Orcheta and Torres, and vendévolos quitos otorgóvoslos free and ... "

For this writing, Mr. Abu Zeyt Orxeta of Almohad Zeyt donated the castle to the Order of Santiago. The text, which is copied to the Municipal Archives of Orxeta was confirmed by James I in 1257, albeit for a short space of time was donated to Tevecino and his son Zahat before moving to the administration of Don Pedro Ferrandis Hixar.

The significance of these lands during altomedieval means within the political borders and the delimitation of the domains of properties that have been the source of the current municipal boundaries.

After signing the pact Almizrra in 1244, which described the border between the crown of Castile and Aragon, and that just went around the land, in a document signed by James I in 1296, establishing for the first time administrative boundaries of the term feudal Alicante. In the first interpretation of this document, including the municipalities of La Vila Joiosa Orxeta and within the territorial demarcation of Alicante. However, after comparing the document with the Charter of La Puebla Vila Joiosa 1300 and the House of demarcation between Vila and Alicante in the year 1786, could produce a new map for the delimitation of the term is now down to the municipalities of El Campello, Aigues, Busot and therefore are outside the terms of refer Orxeta, Relleu and La Vila Joiosa.