Sagunto (Sagunt) Valencia Spain on the Mediterranean Sea

Description:

History

Sagunto , Latin Saguntum, town on the Palencia River, in Valencia. A seaport on the Mediterranean, it is an important metallurgical center, with iron and steel foundries.

Saguntum was an ally of Rome when it was besieged and captured (219-218 BC) by the Carthaginians under Hannibal. This led to the Second Punic War.

Saguntum was conquered by the Romans (214 BC) and made a municipium. On a ridge above the present city are important Roman remains, notably a well-preserved theater. The city fell to the Moors and was called Murviedro until its old name was restored in 1877. In 1874 the restoration of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty was proclaimed there.

Sagunto relates, through its noble stones, the history of the majestic and decisive cultures in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. A walk through the cultural and historical part of the town, filled with vestiges from past centuries, provides a trip through time, witnessing the importance of the historical and archaeological patrimony of the city.

These circumstances have resulted in Sagunto having a wide range of cultural centres where the most distinguished archaeological treasures from the term are brought together.

Its cultural character together with the agreeable Mediterranean climate and its thirteen kilometres of littoral, with beaches distinguished with the European blue flag, make the municipality a highly attractive tourist location.

Places to Visit

The natural environment of the "Marjal dels Moros", a "humedal" (a humid region) located to the south, is one of the most recommendable visits in the area.

The location allows the observation of different birds that cross the peninsula on migratory routes. The fauna is made up of many types of birds, including several different species of duck, coots and flamingos.

In the eastern part of the region are other places that deserve visitor's attention, such as the dunes. As a result of the action of the wind and sand the beaches have formed a landscape of dunes crowned with "borrón", a plant that takes charge of fixing the sand.

It is a wild place of special beauty.  As for mountain landscapes, in Sagunto there is the Monte Picayo, one of the last Nature reserves in the Sierra Calderona. From its highest point a panoramic view of the coastal plain and the land between the sierra and the sea can be enjoyed.

Moors and Christian Fiestas

The Association of Moors and Christian Fiestas organises these traditional festivities which take place in October.

The participants of both sides, the Moors and the Christians, re-enact the struggles that took place long ago for the defence and the conquest of the city. The participants dress in their best costumes, and are the protagonists of the "Entrà" where the "Filaes" parade in their spectacular and sophisticated gowns to the sound of musical marches.

Among the representations are the "First Parliament", which takes place in the Plaza Mayor, the "Battle" and the “ Second Parliament ” which is held at the Almenara entrance to the Castle. The finishing touch comes with the firing of "Ocho Salvas".

Holy Week & Easter

The Holy Week in Sagunto, Fiesta of National tourist interest, has been consolidated as a social and religious phenomenon that has been kept for more than 500 years. The young confreres who form the 'Mayoralía' are the people in charge of the preparation of the acts that take place in mostly in the ‘ermita de la Sangre'. Starts on Palm Sunday with the blessing of the Palms and the Palm procession.

A representation of the Passion scenes of Crist performed by actors form Sagunto takes place starting at the church of Santa María and continues around the streets of the old neighbourhood. In the Calvary, the Crucifixion is staged. On Wednesday evening, the impressive Silence Procession takes place. On Holy Thursday solemn services are celebrated, one of which includes the movement of the "Jesús Sacramentado" effigy to the Monument installed in the ‘ermita de la Sangre'.

The big day of the Holy Week in Sagunto comes on the Good Friday with the Vía Crucis from the hermitage when the image of Jesus Nazareno travels up to the Holy Calvary. In the evening, a traditional auction takes place in the square of the hermitage, where the ‘Mayorales' request, economic collaboration from the inhabitants of Sagunto. The "Sermó del Desenclavament" in the church of Santa Maria and particularly the "vespertina" procession of the Holy Burial are other interesting acts. The acts end with the Resurrection Mass, celebrated in the church of Santa María concluding with firworks.

Fallas

The fallas, with monuments made of wood and cardboard with "ninots" with ironic topics and prominent figures of current importance are the protagonists in a few days of festivities, in which a floral offering is also celebrated to the Virgen de los Desamparados.

The municipality fills with the music and the noise of the fireworks and "mascletaes". The grand finale on the ‘ nit de la Cremà ' (the burning), is the most emotive act of the holidays, with which they finish the festivities.

The fallas of Sagunto have been declared "Festivitiy tourist Interest in Valencian Community". At the moment there are 26 fallas.

Main sights

• The remains of the Citadel (Castell), may be seen on top of the hill. It preserves much of its picturesque walled ramparts, of Roman and Moorish origin.
• A Roman theater, partly restored in late twentieth century. It is found on the northern slope of the citadel hill. It was the first official National Monument declared in Spain (1896).
• The Gothic Esglèsia de Santa Maria (St Mary's Church), in the Plaça Major (Main Square).
• The Palau Municipal (City Palace), or town hall; a beautiful 18th century building with a neoclassical façade.
• The early Gothic Esglèsia del Salvador (Church of Our Savior).
• The narrow streets of the Juderia (Old Jewish Quarter), on the hillside on the way up to the citadel.

 

The famed composer Don Joaquín Rodrigo, who composed Concierto de Aranjuez, among others, was born in Sagunt.

Access

Via the A-7 motorway, heading south at exit 50 sign posted Sagunto. From the north via the A-7 at the exit for the N-340, and from the city of Valencia on the N-221 taking the exit for the N-340, using the main roads, via the N-234 and the N-340. Sagunto also has a railway station.

Ayuntamiento de Sagunto
Calle Autonomía, 2
46500  SAGUNT/SAGUNTO
(Valencia) Tel.:  962655858
Fax:   962650563