To discover the soul of Gata, you need to stroll through its streets and let yourself be guided to the Church Square, popularly known as Plaça Vella. It is not only the urban centre but also the social, historical, and cultural heart of the town.
Despite its name, the square preserves traces of centuries of history, giving it a special charm that captivates everyone who visits.
Buildings of the Plaça Vella de Gata
Overlooking it stands the Parish Church of Saint Michael, a baroque temple built between 1660 and 1680, with its central nave, side chapels, and a sober yet imposing façade. The bell tower, completed in 1963, is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the town.
On one side is the Abadia House, the priest’s residence since 1886. On the other, the former Palace of the Duchess of Almodóvar, renovated in the 18th century, which still retains the elegance of that era.
At the centre stands the stone fountain, crafted by the sculptor from Xàbia, Vicent Bisquert Riera, and inaugurated in 1944. Since then, it has served as a meeting point and reference spot for generations.
How to enjoy the old town of Gata?
The square also comes alive thanks to the local shops and bars that surround it, a vibrant commercial fabric coexisting with the historic monuments.
Enjoying a traditional snack on a terrace, browsing through the shops, or experiencing the atmosphere during Art al Vent are all ways to realise that Gata’s old town is truly the heart of the village, where tradition and daily life beat in unison.
