The Road from Santiago

I adore Pascual Madoz’s 1845 best seller, the Geographical-Statistical-Historical Dictionary of Spain and its Overseas Possessions.  We approach Alpatro aka Patro and armed with this knowledge we prepare to see: situated on a small eminence within a ravine formed by two mountains; one of which rises from the N. side, and the other from the S., where it is mainly affected by E. and W. winds, and enjoys a temperate and fairly healthy climate , although at certain times non-malignant fevers and some asthmas often develop.  It has 72 houses of medium fabric, and a parr. church. dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, served by a parish priest of ordinary provision. the terrain , although uneven and mountainous, is quite fertile; part of it is irrigated with the waters of the river. Gallinera , which rises in the area and over which there is no bridge because it is considered unnecessary, given the small flow of said river. The roads lead to Alcoy and the surrounding towns a...