From ancient fossils to modernist treasures: Costa Blanca heritage shines

History lovers have even more reasons to explore the Costa Blanca this year, with museums in Bigastro and Novelda unveiling remarkable additions that shine a light on the region’s rich heritage. From a fossil dating back millions of years to the restoration of a stunning Modernist mansion, both projects offer visitors the chance to discover stories that have helped shape the area over generations.

Treasure trove of local history in Bigastro

The Museum of History and Culture in Bigastro has expanded its collection with two fascinating new exhibits donated by local residents.

One of the donations is a traditional earthenware jar used to preserve the “mother dough” needed for bread making. Dating back to the 19th century, the vessel offers a glimpse into everyday life in Bigastro and the way families once baked bread at home. During the presentation, donor Teresa García Belmonte shared memories of traditional bread-making methods and family experiences from the years following the Spanish Civil War.

The second donation takes visitors much further back in time. Local resident Efrén Pamies presented a fossil discovered in the quarry area of Bigastro, believed to be the remains of a sirenian, an ancient marine mammal related to today’s manatees and dugongs.

Experts estimate the fossil dates from between the Miocene and Pliocene periods, making it between five and eleven million years old. Pamies recovered the specimen after noticing it was at risk of damage following landslides caused by the 2019 DANA storms.

Culture Councillor Alejandra Moya said both pieces are particularly significant during Bigastro’s 325th anniversary year, representing different chapters of the area’s history.

The two exhibits will now form part of the museum’s permanent collection and be available for visitors to enjoy.

Hidden heritage revealed in Novelda

Novelda has strengthened its reputation as one of Spain’s leading Modernist destinations with the opening of a new museum inside the beautifully restored Gómez-Tortosa House.

The Museum of Modernism has now opened, marking the completion of a major restoration project that has transformed the historic mansion into a new cultural attraction for residents and visitors.

The project involved more than a year of restoration work and an investment of €435,000. Original hydraulic floor tiles, decorative ceilings, woodwork and ornamental features have all been carefully restored, while modern climate control systems have been installed to help preserve the building for future generations.

The museum recreates the atmosphere of an early 20th-century bourgeois home, with restored rooms including a tea salon, dining room, kitchen and library. Historic furniture belonging to the Gómez-Tortosa family has also been returned to the property with the cooperation of the family’s descendants.

Preserving the Costa Blanca’s cultural legacy

During the restoration, workers uncovered several hidden features, including an old cistern, a concealed room and architectural remains predating the current building, all of which have been incorporated into the museum experience.

Mayor Fran Martínez said the project represented more than the opening of a museum, calling it the recovery of an important part of the town’s identity and history.

For more information, call (+34) 965 609 053.

Together, the developments in Bigastro and Novelda highlight the growing importance of preserving local heritage and making it accessible to future generations. Whether through everyday objects that tell the story of family life or grand restoration projects that revive historic buildings, these initiatives help ensure the Costa Blanca’s rich cultural history continues to be celebrated and shared.