Castalla Town Hall

Castalla Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Castalla) sits on Plaza Mayor 1, right in the heart of this small town in the province of Alicante, in the Comunidad Valenciana region. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Castalla and a natural landmark for anyone exploring the old quarter below the castle.

What does the building look like?

The town hall was built in the mid-17th century in a Renaissance style typical of civic architecture in the Valencia region during that period. The facade is made of dressed stone, giving the building a solid, official look. The ground floor features three semicircular arches that once served as a lonja — an open trading loggia used for commerce and public life in the town. The upper floor is lined with ten symmetrically placed windows, each topped with a semicircular arch.

This layout — an open, arcaded ground floor for trade and a more formal upper floor for local government — was standard for town halls across the Comunidad Valenciana in the early modern period. The building still serves as the seat of Castalla's local administration today.

How do you get there?

The town hall stands on the main square, so it is easiest to reach on foot from anywhere in the old town — Castalla is small, and its historic centre is concentrated around the hill with the castle. If you are driving, park near the centre and continue on foot, since the streets in the old quarter tend to be narrow. Castalla lies about 36 km from Alicante, in the Hoya de Alcoy area, so the drive from the coast usually takes thirty to forty minutes.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Plaza Mayor, where the town hall stands, is the natural starting point for exploring Castalla. From here it is a short walk up to the old streets leading toward the castle that dominates the town, as well as to the churches and stone houses typical of this part of Alicante province. The building itself is best viewed from the square, where the full facade — with its arcades and row of upper-floor windows — is clearly visible.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in this part of Alicante province are mild and the midday heat of summer is easier to avoid. The square in front of the town hall is also a common venue for local festivities and municipal events, so it is worth checking Castalla's events calendar before visiting — you might arrive during a market day or celebration on Plaza Mayor.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the town hall? The building functions as the municipal offices, so access to the interior is limited to administrative hours and official business. The facade, however, can be viewed from the outside at any time.

How old is the building? The town hall dates back to the mid-17th century, making it one of the older surviving public buildings in Castalla.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Castalla Castle? Yes — the castle overlooks the town and is visible from almost everywhere, including Plaza Mayor, so it naturally fits into the same walking route as the old town and the town hall.

Are there places to eat nearby? Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets are home to local bars and restaurants serving regional Alicante cuisine.