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Elaborately carved marquetry ceilings introduced by the Arabs, but absorbed into the Christian tradition after the Reconquest.

Xixona is most famous for the sweet nougat (turrón ) that it produces in vast quantities, but it also contains some handsome turn-of-the-20th-century buildings. The town hall sports a lovely façade, thickly covered with brilliant blue and gold tiles and painted griffons.

Elaborate tiles, many produced in the Costa Blanca region using techniques introduced by the Arabs.

Spanish Baroque features undulating façades with high relief and ornate decoration.

Celebrated for its performances of the Misteri d’Elx (see Misteri d’Elx (Elche) (Mystery of Elx)), the monumental Basílica de Santa María was built between 1672 and 1783, replacing an earlier church built on the ruins of a former mosque.

This architectural gem of the early 20th century is tucked away in the quiet wine-producing town of Jumilla. Designed by a follower of Gaudí, it boasts impressive, highly ornate ironwork by local craftsman Avelino Gómez.

The most sumptuous Modernista mansion in the Costa Blanca has been exquisitely restored, and still contains much of its original furniture .

This 18th-century Baroque palace was completely overhauled at the end of the 19th century, when the property was taken over by the Casino Círculo Cartagenero, a social and cultural club. Victor Beltrí was responsible for adding the ornate Modernista woodwork, floral tiling and exuberant plasterwork, which are now sadly neglected.