Quatretondeta
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Quatretondeta, a small mountain village of some 160 inhabitants, situated 2000ft above sea level at the feet of the Sierra Serrella, continues its life as it has always, agriculture dedicated mainly to the production of almonds and a variety of olive renowned for the high quality of its olive oil.
The village dates back to the Moorish occupation and is thought to owe its unusual name to the first written record of the village, which noted that there were 4 (Cuatro) houses occupied by a Moorish family named Tonda.
It has 2 claims to fame in its history; in 1924 it democratically elected the 1st Lady Mayoress in Spain and probably Europe. The relatives of this lady still have letters from the King of Great Britain and other European Heads of State congratulating her.
The other is that it was the home of Spain’s most prolific author Rafael Perez i Perez, who wrote 157 romantic novels in his life time, he is said to have sold more books in foreign languages than any other Spanish author in history.
Like so many other Spanish villages, Quatretondeta has been facing a slow death with the elderly population not being replaced. The population has fallen from a peak of almost 700 in 1965 to today’s 108.
After 40 years of deterioration 2005 saw the first signs of regeneration, public money is being spent renewing the village infrastructure, people who moved away from Quatretondeta are renovating houses and returning and the last 6 months has seen the first increase in population in 40 years . Rural tourism is helping the village rival with a Hotel Rural, and 2 Casa Rurals ( self catering Cottages) bringing visitors from far and wide to enjoy the tranquility, scenery and excellent walking
Some 12 miles from Quatretondeta are the historic towns of Alcoy and Cocentaina.
Alcoy is famous for holding the oldest and most spectacular Moors and Christians fiesta in Spain, held each year around St Georges Day, the towns patron saint.
Cocentaina only 3 miles from Alcoy has the honour of holding Spain�s oldest town fair, now approaching its 654 year; this is another spectacular event and is held at the end of October each year (All Saints Day)
Although only 1 hour from the arid Mediterranean coast, the mountainous region of the north west Alicante province is surprisingly green and varied, supporting a rich variety of wild flowers and herbs, oak and pine wood lands.
Traditional villages and historic towns are dotted throughout the region. The whole area reflects its Moorish history, eight centuries of Arab occupation: old mule tracks, abandoned villages and ruined castles, as well as the curious neveras; ancient ice houses up to 30m deep where snow was stored to last through the summer.Quatretondeta home page
