An extraordinary example of heterodox culture

 Let us look back where we came and forward to where we are going.  Welcome to the Alicante region. We are heading for L’Orxa. It is what happens when you get a bit of flattish land in a world of hills, but first, the old paper factory.




Google lists it as ‘Antiga fabrica de paper.’  Diegogismero2 sums it up nicely.  ‘If you like abandoned places, this one is quite curious. Easy access, very clear and still visible to the manufacturing area with the water passage systems. The exterior fireplace is in perfect condition. You can also go up to the upper floor.  It was an old paper factory that I imagine would provide work for the entire town of Lorcha.’



Next, to the imaginatively called ‘Pont de L’Orxa.  As bridges go it is well reviewed.  121 people felt it was worthy of note.  What can you say about a bridge in a negative way,  Davy D gave a single star and said ‘Completely deserted.  I would have thought, as a traveler, that was a plus.  Antonio reckoned ‘We made the walk to Lorcha from the Vilallonga quarry. Spectacular route of about 11km. At night, upon arriving in Lorcha you can see this bridge that has been updated with lights. Beautiful. I recommend doing the route, both adults and children.’



L’Orxa [aka Lorca in Spanish] has the usual Aragonese conquest and let’s throw out the Moorish inhabitants vibe. It was given to the Templars are one point and in 1644 was destroyed by an earthquake.  If that wasn’t enough cholera did for the community in 1865, 1877 and 1879 - with drought and heavy rains to added misery.  The railways helped a bit in 1893.



580 people live here. The place has been losing people since 1950, when 1450 dwelt here.  Currently the mayor is from the PP.  Half the 10 councillors are PP and half are from the ‘All for L’Orxa’ group.



We will follow the river, rather than enter the town.  We will pass the Paradise la Rao - a local history museum.  https://paraisodelarazon.com  / People give it 4.6 stars.  Juan added ‘Surprising visit. An extraordinary example of heterodox culture. Thanks Miguel.’



Well, on we go, up a hill and round many corners. We get a nice view of the town before we wave it farewell.













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