Arenales del Sol Costa Blanca Spain

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Elx was originally an Iberian village, Illici, colonized later by Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. The latter bestowed upon it the privilege of tax exemption and the advantage of enjoying Roman rights. They called it Co- Ionia Julia Illici Augusta, as can be seen on the reverse side of coins minted in that epoch (C.J.I.A), an inscription which figures today in the coat of arms of the city. The remains of Illici were discovered not so very long ago in Alcúdia d'Elx, very close to the town. Up to now, the most important find has been the Iberian bust of a woman sculpted in stone, the famous Lady of Elche, now kept in the National Archeological Museum of Madrid. After a Saracen invasion, the site of the city was moved to the left bank of the Vinalopó, where today the magnificent historical and artistical ensemble of the Vila Murada (Walled City) stands. That is where the monumental church of Santa Mariá (1673 - 1783) is located, as well as the Palace of Altamira or Royal Palace, restored and converted into Archeological Museum, the Fortress of Calahorra, with Muslem roots, and the Town Hall, as well as other notable buildings.

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