Villena Marks Medieval Wall Section Found in Historic Centre

Villena City Council, through the Municipal Archaeology and Heritage Service (SEMAP), has completed the identification and signage of the medieval wall sections found in the San Antón neighbourhood during redevelopment works. The Councillor for Culture, María Server, stated that since the initial discoveries, there has been a clear intent to protect this part of the city's historical heritage, uncovered by chance during the improvement and redevelopment works in the neighbourhood. To this end, SEMAP's technical staff developed a conservation and signage project approved by the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage, which has allowed for the coordination of all tasks related to the protection and preservation of the wall section underground, safeguarding it with brick partitions on both sides of the wall, geotextile fabric, and small gravel.

The head of SEMAP, Luz Pérez, explained that the aim of this action was to prevent the wall from coming into contact with the materials used in repaving and the installed services—pipes, manholes, etc.—during the redevelopment works. She also highlighted the importance of promoting this valuable heritage element through signage.

The SEMAP archaeologist commented that a small cobblestone pavement has been laid on the road marking the layout and dimensions—width and length—of the remains preserved underground. Finally, this cobblestone has been bordered on the surface on both sides by steel sheets. Additionally, two engraved plaques with the inscription 'Muralla de la Villa. Siglo XIV. MI.I Ayuntamiento de Villena. Año 2025' have been added. One of these identifying pieces has been installed at the highest part of the neighbourhood on Maestro Moltó Street, formerly El Castillo Street; and another at the lower part of José Zapater Street, formerly El Muro Street. The Department of Culture plans to install informational panels to contextualise the historical value of the wall.

For the Councillor for Culture, "this project contributes to preserving and enriching the archaeological heritage of the historic centre and expanding the current offer of tourist routes in this area of Villena. Therefore, we thank the citizen collaboration, which has been and will always be necessary to achieve the best conservation of the cultural legacy of our ancestors."

The villa wall and the Atalaya Castle are classified as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC). This legal protection status required a thorough archaeological excavation in the area of José Zapater Street and its extension, works carried out by a professional team from the specialised company Alebus.