On the 2d day of our mobility…
Our day was all about travel! We took a bus to explore Cullera. We started with the castle, perched high up and very windy!
Perching on the top of a mountain, Cullera castle is an imposing fortress. Built in this strategic location in the 9th century, the fortification was tasked with monitoring and protecting the coast and key roads. The curtain walls are punctuated with towers that are still standing today, namely Torre de la Reina Mora, Torre Miranda, Torre del Racó de San Antonio, Torre Desmochada and Torre Octogonal. Over the course of centuries, the fortifications bore witness to many historic events and underwent many changes. Nowadays, the castle houses Museo Municipal de Historia y Arqueología, the local history and archaeology museum, and hosts all sorts of cultural, music and art events. In the summer months, the castle becomes the centre of Cullera’s nightlife with plays and other art performances being staged here. In the Church, we left an offering for St. Nicholas.
Then, we walked down, following the Stations of the Cross… then we toured the city under a bright sun! In groups, we visited the Cullera Fallas Museum. Cullera boasts a long Fallas tradition, and its Fallas Museum features a remarkable collection of exhibits:
– Ninots indultats: these are figures that make up a falla and are saved from the flames every March 19th.
– Clothing and jewelry pieces for the Fallas queens’ adornments.
– Models of fallas and posters.
The Cullera Fallas Museum allows visitors to experience the Fallas festivities at any time of year if they are unable to visit the city during the celebrations between March 16th and 19th each year. Furthermore, this museum is part of the Valencian Network of Fallas Museums.
To conclude, a dip in the beach, which so resembled Miami with its palm trees and white sand!
After that, our lunch break took us to The Albufera Natural Park which is a true urban oasis just 10 kilometers from Valencia. At the restaurant, we tasted the typical paella cooked over a wood fire.
To aid digestion, we took a a peaceful boat ride through the Albufera lagoon among the birds for an informative birdwatching experience and a truly relaxing and contemplative moment in the open air. Hundreds of birds frequent it year-round. Herons, flamingos, cormorants, gulls, terns, and various duck species populate its wetlands, recognized as a Ramsar site and a SPA (Special Protection Area for Birds). Nature in its purest state, just outside the city.
The return to Algemesí was calm and quiet. We then rehearsed the choreography for the party. The pizzas completed the very festive mood of the evening!
