Museu Dámaso Navarro

Museo Dámaso Navarro is the municipal archaeology and ethnology museum of Petrer, a small town in the province of Alicante right next to Elche. Set in the heart of town on Plaza de Baix, it has been open since 1999 and now holds more than 12,000 objects, most of them donated by local residents or recovered by the town's own archaeological group over decades of fieldwork.

What will you see inside?

The museum is split into two clearly separated sections. The archaeological wing traces human presence in the area from prehistory through the Iberian period and into Roman and Islamic times. The undisputed highlight is a Roman floor mosaic from the nearby Petraria villa, dated to the 3rd–4th century AD and considered one of the most significant pieces of its kind in the whole Valencian Community. Nearby, look out for a small Iberian votive figure and reconstructions of two burials — one Muslim, one Christian — displayed with real skeletal remains, giving visitors a direct, physical sense of how funerary customs differed centuries ago.

A separate highlight is the collection of Islamic stucco work, ornately carved plaster panels from the 12th–13th centuries recovered from the Puça area. Collections of this kind are uncommon in this part of Spain and give a good sense of how artistically rich the Andalusi period was here.

The second wing, dedicated to ethnology, jumps forward to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tools are grouped by traditional trade — carpentry, pottery, stonemasonry, farming — alongside everyday household items from the region's rural homes. A detail guides enjoy pointing out is a handwritten recipe book that once belonged to the mother of Azorín, one of the best-known Spanish writers of the turn of the 20th century.

How do you get there, and what does it cost?

The museum sits right in the centre of Petrer, at Plaza de Baix 10, within easy walking distance of the town's other historic landmarks, including its castle. Petrer is a few kilometres from Elche and is well served by regional buses from both Alicante and Elche, making it an easy stop if you're already exploring the Costa Blanca coastline. Admission is free, which makes it one of the cheapest attractions in the area.

When should you visit?

The museum opens Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 14:00, and is closed on Mondays. Free guided tours run Tuesday to Friday at 12:00, but they require booking ahead — worth arranging in advance, especially during the busier summer months. Given the short opening window, it's best to plan your visit for the start of the day, before heading off to explore the old town or the hilltop castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission is completely free, both for self-guided visits and for the guided tours.

How long does a visit take? Given its compact size, 45–60 minutes is enough to see both the archaeological and ethnological sections at a relaxed pace.

What is the single most important exhibit? The Roman mosaic from the Petraria villa, dated to the 3rd–4th century, regarded as one of the most valuable pieces of its kind in the Valencian region.

Do you need to book the guided tour in advance? Yes, the tours held Tuesday to Friday at 12:00 require prior booking, ideally by phone or through the museum's website.