The square
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Plaza de la Santísima Faz

4.6
·73 reviews·Alicante (Alacant), Spain

A picturesque square in Alicante's old town, known for its charm, local eateries, and connection to the historic Romería de la Santa Faz.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
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The square

Plaza de la Santísima Faz

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque square in Alicante's old town, known for its charm, local eateries, and connection to the historic Romería de la Santa Faz.

4.6
(73 reviews)

"Beautiful little square to relax with a drink or eat."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Experience the Romería

Join the 11km pilgrimage for a deep dive into local tradition! :walking:

☕ Relax with a Drink

Enjoy tapas and drinks in the square's cafes. :wine_glass:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Holy Face Relic

The Holy Face Relic

Monasterio de la Santa Faz

Venerate the sacred cloth believed to have wiped Jesus' face, a central piece of Alicante's religious heritage.

Romería de la Santa Faz

Romería de la Santa Faz

Procession route

Experience this historic 11km pilgrimage, a vibrant tradition with over five centuries of history.

Picturesque Plaza Ambiance

Picturesque Plaza Ambiance

Plaza de la Santísima Faz

Relax in this charming square, surrounded by palm trees and local eateries, perfect for a leisurely break.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Plaza de la Santísima Faz

This charming square is a hub of activity, especially during local festivals like the Romería de la Santa Faz. For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays outside of major events. Early mornings or late afternoons offer pleasant light for photos and fewer crowds.

Embrace the Local Vibe

Plaza de la Santísima Faz is more than just a square; it's a community gathering spot. Enjoy the local atmosphere by savoring tapas at a cafe or simply people-watching. Be aware of potential disruptions during religious processions, which are a significant part of the area's heritage.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
During Romería de la Santa Faz
Why
Experience vibrant tradition
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#plaza #santisima #faz #alicante #comunidadvalenciana #mapaymochilaalicante
@mapaymochila
81 likes • 1.7K views

🎯 Experience the Romería

Join the 11km pilgrimage for a deep dive into local tradition! :walking: TikTok+2

☕ Relax with a Drink

Enjoy tapas and drinks in the square's cafes. :wine_glass: Reddit

Así amanece de nuevo la Cruz de la Plaza de la Santísima Faz (detrás del Ayuntamiento). De nuevo otro ataque. De nuevo a una Cruz. #videoviral
@voxalicantecapital
97 likes • 493 views
📍La Plaza de la Santísima Faz is a bustling square in the heart of Alicante city The Plaza de la Santísima Faz in one of the most picturesque squares in the old barrio de Santa Cruz in Alicante city which encompasses most of the old quarter of the city. The plaza is situated behind the Ayuntamiento (town hall) and can be accessed from Calle Mayor and from the Ayuntamiento through tall archways #al...
lifeinspainalicante
4K likes • 91.8K views

📸 Capture the Charm

The plaza is beautiful, especially with palm trees. :camera: TikTokInstagram

🛡️ Respect Religious Symbols

Be mindful of the cross's significance and recent vandalism. :pray: TikTokInstagram

Así amanece de nuevo la Cruz de la Plaza de la Santísima Faz (detrás del Ayuntamiento). De nuevo otro ataque. De nuevo a una Cruz.
vox.alicante.capital
129 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Experience the Romería

Join the 11km pilgrimage for a deep dive into local tradition! :walking: TikTok+2

☕ Relax with a Drink

Enjoy tapas and drinks in the square's cafes. :wine_glass: Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

The plaza is beautiful, especially with palm trees. :camera: TikTokInstagram

🛡️ Respect Religious Symbols

Be mindful of the cross's significance and recent vandalism. :pray: TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Old Town

The plaza is a gateway to Alicante's historic barrio. :city_sunrise: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(73 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Plaza de la Santísima Faz to be a beautiful and charming square in Alicante's old town, perfect for relaxing with a drink or enjoying authentic tapas and paella. The relaxed atmosphere and palm trees are frequently praised, offering a lovely break. However, some mention recent vandalism to the plaza's cross, which detracts from its otherwise peaceful ambiance.

"Beautiful little square to relax with a drink or eat"

Jan Booth

"Lots going on. Nice old town feel about it with a good selection of restaurants selling tasty tapas and paella."

Jef Crow

"Had a lovely holiday in Spain lovely visiting places of interest"

Carolyn Croft

What People Like

Beautiful little square
Tasty tapas and paella
Chilled out atmosphere

What People Dislike

Vandalism to the cross

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza de la Santísima Faz is located behind the Ayuntamiento (town hall) in Alicante's old town. You can easily walk there from the city center, as it's part of the charming barrio de Santa Cruz. Instagram+1

While there isn't a direct tram or bus stop in the plaza itself, it's very close to the main transport hubs in Alicante's city center, making it easily reachable by bus or tram and then a short walk. Instagram

The best way is on foot! The plaza is a great starting point to wander through the narrow streets of the old town, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the local atmosphere. Instagram+1

Parking in the old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk from the plaza, or to rely on public transport and walking. Reddit

Yes, the plaza is a starting point for understanding the significance of the Monasterio de la Santa Faz, which is a popular pilgrimage destination. The Romería de la Santa Faz is a significant event that starts from the city and ends at the monastery. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaza de la Santísima Faz is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. Instagram

As a public square, Plaza de la Santísima Faz is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding businesses and restaurants will have their own operating hours. TikTok

The Romería de la Santa Faz itself is a traditional pilgrimage and is free to participate in. However, the monastery may have specific visiting hours and any associated religious services would be open to the public. TikTok+1

The plaza can be a focal point for local celebrations and religious events, most notably the Romería de la Santa Faz. It's worth checking local event listings for Alicante during your visit. TikTok+1

Yes, the Monasterio de la Santa Faz is open for visitors outside of the Romería event. You can visit the church and see the sacred relic. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, grab a drink or tapas at one of the local restaurants, and soak in the old town charm. It's a great spot for people-watching and appreciating the architecture. TikTokReddit

The cross in Plaza de la Santísima Faz is a religious symbol, and unfortunately, it has been the target of vandalism. It's a reminder of the area's religious heritage and community values. TikTokInstagram+1

You'll find a good selection of restaurants offering tasty tapas and paella, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine. Reddit

Absolutely! The square, with its palm trees and historic buildings, offers lovely photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours. TikTokInstagram

It's a historic pilgrimage dating back over 500 years, where thousands walk 11km from Alicante city to the Monasterio de la Santa Faz. It's a significant cultural and religious event. TikTok+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The square is known for its restaurants serving delicious tapas and paella, offering a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine. Reddit

Yes, the plaza has a good selection of eateries perfect for a relaxed meal or enjoying drinks with friends. Reddit

Spanish dining hours are generally later. Lunch is typically served from around 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, and dinner from 8:30 PM onwards. Reddit

While traditional Spanish cuisine features meat and seafood, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options, especially with tapas. It's always best to ask. Reddit

Prices are generally reasonable, especially for tapas, offering good value for money in a pleasant setting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire square is picturesque, especially with its palm trees. Capture the architecture, the lively atmosphere, and the iconic cross. TikTokInstagram

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, while late afternoons provide a beautiful golden hour glow. TikTok

The central cross is a notable landmark, though its recent vandalism might be a sensitive subject. The surrounding historic buildings and palm trees are also great subjects. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can photograph the Romería, but be respectful of the religious nature of the event and the participants. TikTok+1

It's ideal for street photography, architectural shots, and capturing the local ambiance. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza de la Santísima Faz offers a pleasant, relatively calm environment for families. The open square allows children some space to move around, and the presence of palm trees adds a touch of natural beauty. Enjoying tapas at one of the local restaurants can be a fun way to introduce kids to Spanish cuisine. While the Romería is a significant event, it might be overwhelming for very young children due to the crowds and long walking distance. Consider visiting the plaza during quieter times for a more relaxed family outing. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Plaza de la Santísima Faz is an excellent spot for budget-conscious travelers. The plaza itself is free to access, and you can enjoy the atmosphere without spending a euro. For affordable dining, focus on the tapas offered by the local bars and restaurants; they are often reasonably priced and provide a satisfying meal. Reddit Participating in the Romería is also a free cultural experience, though you might want to bring water and snacks for the 11km walk. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Plaza de la Santísima Faz is a gem. The palm trees, historic architecture, and the unique cross provide diverse subjects. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the best light and avoid harsh midday sun. The vibrant atmosphere during local events, like the Romería, offers dynamic street photography opportunities, but always be mindful and respectful of participants. TikTokInstagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sacred Relic and the Romería

Plaza de la Santísima Faz is intrinsically linked to the Monasterio de la Santa Faz, which houses a revered Catholic relic: the Holy Face of Jesus. This sacred cloth, believed to be the veil that wiped Christ's face on the way to Calvary, is the focal point of intense devotion. The most significant event connected to this relic is the Romería de la Santa Faz, a traditional pilgrimage that has taken place for over five centuries. Thousands of devotees walk approximately 11 kilometers from Alicante's city center to the monastery, making it one of the region's most important religious and cultural traditions. TikTok+4

This annual event transforms the area, with participants often carrying religious symbols and singing hymns. The pilgrimage is a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of Alicante. Even outside of the Romería, the monastery remains a place of spiritual significance and a popular destination for those seeking a connection to this ancient relic. The plaza itself serves as a symbolic starting point or a place of reflection for those engaging with this profound aspect of local identity. TikTok+2

A Charming Urban Oasis

Beyond its religious significance, Plaza de la Santísima Faz is celebrated as a picturesque and charming square within Alicante's old town. It's a delightful spot to relax, offering a welcome respite from the bustling city streets. Lined with palm trees and surrounded by historic buildings, the plaza exudes a tranquil ambiance, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a moment of peace. TikTokInstagram

The square is also a culinary hotspot, featuring a good selection of restaurants that serve tasty tapas and paella. This makes it an ideal location to experience authentic Valencian cuisine while enjoying the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, a refreshing drink, or simply a pleasant place to sit and observe daily life, Plaza de la Santísima Faz offers a quintessential Alicante experience. Reddit

Community and Heritage

The community aspect of Plaza de la Santísima Faz is palpable, especially during significant events like the Romería. It's a place where traditions are kept alive and shared across generations. The square also holds a symbolic importance, as evidenced by the cross that stands within it. This cross has unfortunately been a target of vandalism, highlighting the ongoing dialogue around heritage, respect, and community values in the city. TikTokInstagram+1

Despite these challenges, the plaza remains a cherished part of Alicante's urban fabric. It represents a blend of historical depth, religious devotion, and everyday life. Exploring this area offers a glimpse into the soul of Alicante, where ancient traditions meet contemporary urban charm. Instagram+1

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