A new exhibition at the MARQ in Alicante, entitled “Orihuela. Arqueología y Museo”, contains 268 items illustrating the fascinating history of Orihuela from prehistoric times until the present day.( Click History of Orihuela for more background to the exhibition)
Most of the pieces on display come from the Museo Comarcal and the Museo de la Muralla in Orihuela itself, and many can be viewed behind two large panes of glass which imitate the course of the River Segura while showing some of the smaller exhibits. Among these are a coin from the reign of the Visigoth King Sisebut, who reigned from 612 to 621, which is being shown in public for the first time: the discovery of this coin in Orihuela is interpreted as showing how the Visigoth monarchs in Toledo waged war far afield against the Roman Empire in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Also included in the exhibition are a series of items found in the excavations at Los Saladares, a stone tablet bearing an inscription in Hebrew from the 6th or 7th century from the old Museo de Santo Domingo, and a selection of ceramics of Islamic, Christian, medieval and modern times. These latter were found in the course of excavations in the city centre, and include a 10th century tombstone inscription.
Among the items donated for the duration of the exhibition by other cultural institutions in Orihuela are a gargoyle from the Museo Diocesano and the official collar of the Rector of the University of Orihuela, which was made in 1753 and includes gold-plated silver, precious stones and enamel.
The MARQ also has an extensive static exhibition showing the pre-history of the Alicante province, as well as regular temporary exhibtions.
The MARQ is located at Plaza Dr. Gómez Ulla, s/n, 03013 Alicante, and is open to visitors in the following timetable:
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 to 19.00
Sundays and public holidays 10.00 to 14.00
Mondays: Closed.
Click for map, MARQ, Plaza Dr. Gómez Ulla, Alicante
More local Orihuela information in the dedicated Orihuela town section at the bottom of every page
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