Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, Novelda

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is a Modernist church that crowns the town of Novelda, in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian region of Spain. Perched on the La Mola hill next to the ruins of the medieval castle of the same name, it is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the area.

Who built it, and when?

The sanctuary was designed by engineer and architect Josep Sala Sala, born in Novelda in 1893. Construction began in 1918 and stretched over more than three decades, with the building substantially finished by the mid-1940s. In 1953 it was officially recognized as a place of worship of national significance, cementing its status well beyond the local parish.

What will you see there?

Twin towers, each 25 meters tall, frame the main facade and make the building visible from a distance thanks to its elevated hilltop position. The design blends Catalan-Valencian Modernism with Gothic-inspired details, an unusual pairing for a church of this scale in the Alicante region. The sanctuary forms part of the European Route of Modernism, making it a reference point for anyone tracing turn-of-the-century architecture across Spain. Both the interior and the surrounding grounds, along with the neighboring La Mola castle, can be visited free of charge.

When is the best time to visit?

The sanctuary is open year-round, Monday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and again from 16:00 to 18:00 — worth building the midday closure into your schedule. Admission is free for the interior and the outdoor area alike. Since the site sits on a hill, comfortable shoes are a good idea; the walk up rewards visitors with views over Novelda and the surrounding vineyards.

Why does it matter to locals?

The sanctuary is closely tied to local religious tradition. It is here that the grapes accompanying the statue of Saint Mary Magdalene are selected before the procession held on July 22, the patron saint's feast day. The celebration is one of the most important dates on Novelda's calendar and draws both residents and visitors to the town.

Between its religious significance, distinctive architecture, and hilltop setting, the sanctuary is worth pairing with a visit to the adjoining La Mola castle — both sit on the same hill and can easily be covered in a single stop.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the sanctuary free? Yes, entry to both the interior and the outdoor grounds is free year-round.

How long does a visit take? The sanctuary itself takes about 20–30 minutes, but allow 1 to 1.5 hours if combining it with the neighboring La Mola castle.

Is it open every day? Yes, it's open Monday to Sunday, with a midday break between 14:00 and 16:00.

What else is worth seeing nearby? La Mola castle sits right next door, and Novelda's town center features other Modernist buildings along the same architectural route.