The Rivers of Alcoy
Alcoy is located in a valley surrounded by lofty mountains. Alcoy Spain is a small city that is a perfect example of the synergy between the past and the present. The first thing you will notice about this sixth most populous city of the province are its bridges. The prominent bridges and its industrial position are what define Alcoy internationally. “The City of Bridges” as Alcoy is also known, is the crossover for many rivers. Rivers like the Uxola, Serpis, Molinar, Bnisaido and Riquer pass through the city giving it myriads of bridges, canals and viaducts. The Molinar and Riquer come together at the centre of Alcoy to form the Serpis River. The banks of the Serpis form an imperative and striking part of the city making it a favorite fishing spot for many visitors and locals alike.
Alcoy is a city with a past dominated by many different cultures and races. This diversity gave the city its historical buildings and festivals. The central part of the city, known as the historic quarter, is home to many of these historical remnants. The city was expanded to link this sector with the suburbs of the city. This expansion made it necessary to build bridges over the crisscrossing rivers passing through the centre of the city.
The presence of the rivers also ensures that the region remains green and lush. In the past, Alcoy was essentially an agricultural region due to its fertile land irrigated by the water from the rivers. Today, although the different industries have taken over as the most important part of the economy, agricultural practices on the fertile plains and foothills are still essential parts of the income. The Muslim rulers were the first to utilize this natural resource of the city’s rivers to develop a new irrigation system in the area. This practice continues to this day and the rivers of Alcoy linger to beautify and water the city.
