Heritage in Ruins: These are the 21 Architectural Gems of Alicante at Risk of Disappearing

History not only deserves to be remembered but also preserved and restored. Alicante boasts a vast cultural and architectural heritage that allows us to relive past eras. Some of these century-old elements shine brightly, while others suffer the worst fate: oblivion and degradation.

There are palaces, convents, castles, or watchtowers essential to understanding Alicante's history, but their restoration is either not planned or expected anytime soon. To highlight this reality, the association Hispania Nostra launched its so-called Red List in 2007, making visible all those assets at risk of disappearing.

This list (enriched by social complaints analyzed by the association's scientific committee) includes 21 heritage elements scattered across the province of Alicante. Orihuela leads the list with seven items, including churches, castles, and farmhouses. The list also features mills over half a century old that still retain their machinery and coastal watchtowers built against the threat of Ottoman ships. Below is a detailed account of all the items on the list.

Casa Geralda was a manor house dating back to the first half of the 19th century. It later served as a shelter for Cuban slaves and a refuge for nuns during the Civil War. Various projects were considered to turn it into a university headquarters, a day center, or even the headquarters of the Turrón Regulatory Council, but none materialized. It has been isolated by fences for decades.

This watchtower dates back to the mid-16th century as part of a state surveillance project for the Mediterranean. Hundreds of surveillance posts were built from southern France to Trafalgar against the Ottoman Empire's threat to Mediterranean coasts. Currently, it is in ruins due to various acts of vandalism, such as graffiti and small fires inside.

It is the first religious building in El Campello, dating back to the late 18th century. Abandonment has led to its progressive deterioration, with part of its dome collapsing in 2019, forcing the city council to prop it up to prevent total loss.

The remains of the old house-tower El Ciprés are located on the eastern edge of the current Playa de San Juan road. The complex consists of a coastal watchtower, a chapel, and a house. Progressive deterioration has been accelerated by vandalism and several fires.

It is one of the oldest mills in the Monnegre river basin. Built during the 16th century, it operated until 1953. It is called nou (new or ninth) because it was the ninth mill from either direction from the dam. Although in poor condition, it retains machinery, making it somewhat exceptional as such machinery is rarely found.

The defensive towers in Alicante province were built between the 16th and 17th centuries by order of King Charles I to protect against pirate and Berber incursions. Some have been restored and remain in good condition; others are abandoned, ruined, or surrounded by modern buildings that violate their protection perimeter.

The Renaissance walls of Altea were built after the expulsion of the Moors in 1609. Their remains have diminished due to urban development over time. The northern part is almost complete, while the eastern part is recoverable. The remains of the castle bastion at the plaza corner are preserved; however, unique elements like the castle, Casa de la Señoría, and Casa del Consell i Presó have disappeared.

Located in Pinella in Xara (Dénia), this riurau is a historic building designed to house canopies full of Muscat grapes during their conversion into raisins. Its current state is critical, with part of its roof collapsed.

This 18th-century hermitage is situated in Pla de Petracos at the junction with Vall d'Ebo road. Around 1870 funds were raised to complete its construction but were stolen, leaving the hermitage abandoned.

Situated on Vinalopó's banks, this Elda mansion dates back to at least the 17th century. Once central to an extensive agricultural estate mainly producing olives, it is now surrounded by an industrial park. Next to it lies an emblematic rectangular snow well with a capacity for about 92,000 kilos—also abandoned and ruined.

The colony began construction in late 19th century with worker houses, a large flour factory, an alcohol factory, and other facilities like a palace for counts and a theater. It thrived economically until around 1925 before slowly declining—a process accelerated by the Civil War.

The monastery was built in the 16th century from an older Hermitage of Our Lady of Montserrat. Since being acquired by Orihuela City Council in late 1990s after ceasing private ownership access has been restricted. Various rehabilitation projects have been proposed without materializing.

Built in early 20th century employing up to 20 people simultaneously—evidence of its significant economic impact on Beneixama’s population—the workshop's deterioration was hastened by successive cold spells after ceasing operations.

Built-in 1970 as a reconstruction of an existing church on-site closed for over a decade due to unfinished facade towers damaged since an earthquake in1829; notable for its capacity monumental nature preserving baroque organ casing currently abandoned lamentably deteriorated state conservation efforts needed urgently.

Orihuela's Church Santas Justa Rufina suffered severe damage during Civil War major altarpiece burned along most chapels furnishings declared National Monument Cultural Interest Site BIC1971 belonging Diocese Orihuela-Alicante Communion Chapel risks collapse significant cracks dome scaffolding props installed prevent falling apart further restoration crucial preserve historical architectural significance community heritage legacy future generations honor memory past efforts protecting conserving irreplaceable cultural treasures safeguarding shared history fostering appreciation understanding local global cultural identity promoting sustainable tourism education awareness ensuring continued relevance vibrancy rich diverse cultural landscape contemporary society.