JÁVEA Historical WALK


Explore and Learn About JÁVEA by visiting its historical architecture and monuments with Arts Historian, Educator & Author - Karla Ingleton Darocas, B. A. (Hons) 

  BOOKING INFO & FORM

Exclusive Private Screening * The Way*


The Way is an inspiring and visually stunning film directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen. 

This private screening offers the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in this moving story, breathtaking landscapes, and deep cultural insights.  

On hand will be 20-year veteran Camino Trail Guide, Trudi van Dorp, to answer any questions you might have about this epic experience. 


ABOUT THE FILM

When Tom, an American doctor (Martin Sheen), receives the heartbreaking news that his estranged son has died while walking the Camino de Santiago, he travels to Spain to retrieve his remains. Instead of returning home, Tom makes a life-changing decision: to complete the 800-kilometer pilgrimage in his son's honor. Along the way, he forms unexpected friendships, overcomes personal challenges, and discovers the true meaning of the journey—one of faith, self-discovery, and transformation. 


Why You’ll Love This Screening

-Spectacular Spanish Scenery: The film takes you through stunning locations across Spain, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, the medieval city of Burgos, and the breathtaking final approach to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.  

Learn Experience: Visually enjoy the centuries-old pilgrimage route, its traditions, and the profound effect it has on those who walk it.  

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW and come experience *The Way* like never before.  

DETAILS 

  • When - Monday, April 7th, 2025
  • Time - 5pm - 7pm
  • Movie Runtime: 123 minutes
  • Location - Benitachell Properties (Boardroom) opposite Sabadell Bank
  • Fee: Donation 5 euros

BOOKING FORM - CLICK HERE 

The Missing Half of Juana la Loca’s Story—And Her Surprising Connection to Jávea


The story of Juana la Loca is one of power, betrayal, and suffering, and it extends far beyond the passionate heartbreak depicted in the film. 

While Juana la Loca the movie may have won awards for its portrayal of her early years, the true depth of her tragedy remains largely untold. 

And for those walking through the quiet streets of Jávea, admiring its medieval structures, few would suspect that the very people who built them played a pivotal role in one of Spain’s most heartbreaking royal captivities.

The 2001 Spanish historical drama Juana la Loca captivated audiences with its passionate portrayal of Queen Juana I of Castile, often remembered as “Juana la Loca” (Juana the Mad). 

The film, directed by Vicente Aranda, won numerous awards and brought to life the early, tormented years of Juana’s existence—her intense love for Philip the Handsome, the betrayals that surrounded her, and the political struggles that marked her reign. 

However, despite its dramatic success, the movie tells only half the story. It ends with Juana’s forced imprisonment, but it does not explore the long, agonizing decades that followed—a period of suffering that lasted far longer than her turbulent marriage.

Spanish Historical Romanticism Painting - Mon.24 FEB. 2025 - 5pm

Monday, 24 February, 2025
17:00 H (5pm)
Benitachell Properties
Calle Padre Placido 57
Donation of 10 euros

ABOUT

This class will provide participants with a deep understanding of how Spanish Historical Romanticism combined history, emotion, and politics to create powerful, enduring works of art. 

Through an exploration of key artists, themes, techniques, and socio-political influences, attendees will develop a nuanced appreciation of this influential movement. 

The talk includes slides of representative artworks, allowing for an engaging visual analysis of Spain’s most dramatic historical paintings by arts historian - Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons) 

Author of PRIDE & PASSION AT THE PRADO - Spain's Seven Most Famous Historical Romantic Stories & the Artists Who Immortalised Them -  click here to learn more about this book!



Before You Attend Class - READ This! 

Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting




Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Spanish Romanticism in painting, emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a response to political upheaval, national identity struggles, and evolving artistic influences from Europe. Unlike the structured realism and compositions of Neoclassicism, Romanticism embraced emotion, drama, and individuality, often highlighting Spain’s historical past, cultural traditions, and exoticism. 

Several distinct movements developed, each reflecting different aspects of Spanish Romanticism.

Rococo

Immersive Journey into the Rise and Fall of Rococo in Spain! 


Step into the splendor of 18th-century Spain as we explore the captivating rise and dramatic fall of the Rococo style. 

José de Ribera - 27 Jan, 2025. 5pm

Paris is currently celebrating José de Ribera (1591–1652), the late Renaissance and early Baroque master, with an extraordinary exhibition of over 100 paintings dedicated to the Valencian painter, who was born in Xàtiva. This celebration of Ribera's work offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore his legacy, and I have decided to do the same in an inspirational talk about his remarkable art. Ribera’s paintings are relatively easy to understand within the framework of the Baroque era. This was a time when the Catholic Church used art as a powerful form of propaganda, reminding people of the suffering of saints at the hands of the Romans to reinforce faith and counter the Protestant threat.  


What I love about José de Ribera is not only his mastery of Caravaggio’s dramatic style but also his unique position as a painter outside the confines of a royal court. Unlike court painters who were often restricted to royal portraits, Ribera worked under the Spanish rulers of Naples, which allowed him to explore a wide range of subjects. His repertoire extends beyond tortured saints to some of the most unusual and compelling paintings, often with fascinating stories rooted in Spanish history.

Franciscan Convent of Benissa is a Cherished Renaissance Landmark

Thank Goodness the Franciscan Convent of Benissa Was Not Turned Into a Hotel

Preserving the historical and architectural heritage of the Franciscan Convent in Benissa was a relief to many locals and history enthusiasts alike. Plans announced in 1917 to transform this storied convent into a hotel were met with mixed emotions, as the proposal risked altering the character of one of Benissa's most iconic landmarks. Instead, the convent remains a treasure of cultural and spiritual significance, even as its use evolves to accommodate modern realities.


Architectural Features of the Convent

Felipe II (1527–1598) The Renaissance King with a Big Ego & Painful Death


Imagine a man so convinced of his divine right to rule that he believed his kingdom wasn’t just vast—it was illuminated 24/7 by the sun itself. Enter Felipe II of Spain, the ultimate monarch with a cosmic-sized ego to match his colossal empire. Born in 1527, Felipe wasn’t just any king; he was the king—God’s personal pick to manage the affairs of the mortal world. And he had every reason to think so, with a résumé so glittering it could outshine the treasures of the Americas (which he also happened to own).