savilla

Savilla is a municipality in the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community of Spain. It lies in the western part of the province, approximately 30 kilometres inland from the Costa Blanca coast, and is situated along the upper basin of the River Vinaròs. The municipality covers an area of about 47 square kilometres and has a population of roughly 12,000 residents, with a demographic distribution that includes a mix of young families, retirees, and a modest migrant workforce tied to the agricultural sector.

Historically, the area has been settled since antiquity, with archaeological evidence indicating Roman presence during the early first millennium. The town’s name is derived from the Arabic term “shwayla,” meaning a small stream, reflecting its origins during the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. In the early modern era, Savilla emerged as a fortified settlement belonging to the Kingdom of Aragon, and it experienced the upheavals of the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. The 20th century brought industrial and infrastructural development, including the construction of the provincial road network and the establishment of a local cooperative for cereal production.

Savilla’s economy remains largely based on agriculture, with olive groves, cereal fields, and vineyards dominating the landscape. The municipality is also gaining recognition for its organic farming initiatives and rural tourism offerings. Visitors are drawn to Savilla’s well-preserved medieval core, which hosts the 13th‑century parish church of St. Vincent, several historic houses, and a Roman cistern that still supplies water to the town’s fountains. The annual “Feria de la Ventisca” in August features traditional music, dancing, and a showcase of local produce, while the nearby Sierra de Benicarló provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Overall, Savilla exemplifies a blend of historical heritage and contemporary rural life within the broader context of the Valencian Community.