ARCADES ISLÀMIQUES

Discover the Islamic arches in Carrícola that have withstood the passing of time.

Historically, agriculture has been an industry of great importance in Carrícola. With the passing of time, infrastructure and constructions have been left behind that speak of this part of Vall d'Albaida’s past. Some of this infrastructure still works, like the irrigation channels that date back to the Islamic period.

Also built in the same period are three arches, namely La Font del Gatell arch, El Barranc de les Pesseres arch and El Barranc de l'Arcà arch. The first is the smallest of the three while the second is the largest, comprising two segmental arches of different sizes. Documents state its existence since the year 1348, at least. Floods and other weather conditions have damaged the construction.

El Barranc de l'Arcà arch is the tallest of the three and the water crossing it was used to irrigate the agricultural land of Bèlgida. An irrigation system started being used in the late 17th century, and the present-day arch is known to have been built around this period.

If you would like to visit the Islamic arches, you can always plan a hiking trail that will take you to them. The arches are a valuable example of Carrícola’s heritage, showing how the irrigation and cultivation systems were organised and how they enabled the agricultural land to be extended past the ravines. Come and take a look at them all.