This museum is a superb introduction to the town's long and eventful history. Everything is particularly well displayed and labelled, and it occupies both a purpose-built building and the town's castle. Starting with archaeological finds from the Neolithic, you progress into history of the Muslim occupation and Reconquest. In the castle's keep, a replica of the famous Dama de Elche statue holds pride of place; locals live in hope that the original will return from Madrid one day.
Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche
Alicante Province
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante
13.01 MILES
This splendid museum, inside the 17th-century Casa de la Asegurada, has an excellent collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including works by Dalí, Miró…
0.44 MILES
In the Islamic world, a garden is considered a form of Paradise. Elche’s past and culture couldn’t therefore be any more obvious than in these privately…
Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
13.39 MILES
This museum has a strong collection of ceramics and Iberian art. Exhibits are displayed to give the visitor a very visual, high-tech experience, and it's…
18.49 MILES
Low slung but achieving an understated majesty nonetheless, this cathedral is built of light-coloured stone in the centre of the old town and features…
26.62 MILES
Plaza de Santiago is at the heart of Villena's old quarter, and within the imposing 16th-century Palacio Municipal, seat of the town council, is this…
2.04 MILES
This well-documented site is 3.5km south of the town centre. The Dama de Elche, a masterpiece of Iberian art that’s now in Madrid, was unearthed here…
0.1 MILES
This lovely park on the northern side of central Elche is one of several appealing places to stroll among the rustling palm trees. A small visitor centre…
13.15 MILES
There are sweeping views over the city from the ramparts of this large 16th-century castle, which houses a museum recounting the history of the city and…
Nearby Alicante Province attractions
0.07 MILES
This vast baroque church with its trademark blue dome is used for performances of the Misteri d’Elx. The interior is lofty and imposing with a…
0.1 MILES
This lovely park on the northern side of central Elche is one of several appealing places to stroll among the rustling palm trees. A small visitor centre…
0.1 MILES
Near the basilica where the Misteri d'Elx is performed, Museu de la Festa offers a multimedia presentation, complete with virtual Apostle, about the drama…
0.37 MILES
In a former farmhouse, this museum is all about the date palm and the intricate blanched, woven fronds used throughout Spain in Palm Sunday rites. Wander…
0.44 MILES
In the Islamic world, a garden is considered a form of Paradise. Elche’s past and culture couldn’t therefore be any more obvious than in these privately…
2.04 MILES
This well-documented site is 3.5km south of the town centre. The Dama de Elche, a masterpiece of Iberian art that’s now in Madrid, was unearthed here…
12.74 MILES
Alicante's main market hall is a feast for the eyes and other senses. Dating from the 1920s, it has a few Modernista flourishes; it suffered extensive…
12.77 MILES
In addition to a wealth of photographs, costumes and the most popular ninot (effigy) of each year, saved from their normal fiery fate by popular vote,…