The local history museum in San Javier
Discover local history at the Museo de San Javier
The San Javier Museum gives interesting insights into local life, showing the history of the municipality from pre-history through to its rôle as the modern-day home of the Spanish Air Academy.
It also has a separate room dedicated to the Belén Monumental, the huge nativity scene which is displayed in the Plaza de España at Christmas, as well as another room upstairs which is used for temporary exhibitions.
In addition, the museum features an extensive collection of agricultural tools, clothing and historic photographs which illustrate the daily lives of former inhabitants of the area. The manner in which they are displayed and the extent of the collection make this one of the best ethnografic collections in the region, and also provide background information regarding the history of San Javier.
The Belén Monumental is one of the largest nativity scenes in Spain and also features many aspects of the agricultural practices formerly used by occupants of the region. Windmills and rural scenes show how many of the agricultural tools displayed in the ethnographical section of the museum were actually used; in fact it's a good idea to look around the Belén first (if you're visiting over the festive season) and then go into the main rooms to put the implements into context.
It's also worth going across the road into the parish church of San Francisco Javier, where another museum offers a different slant on how the roots of local religious traditions grew.
Opening times (please double check with the tourist office if making a special trip)
1st April to 30th September: Tuesday to Friday 9.30 to 13.30 and 16.00 to 18.30, Saturdays 9.30 to 13.30.
1st October to 31st March: Tuesday to Friday 9.00 to 14.00 and 17.30 to 20.30, Saturdays 9.30 to 14.00.
Telephone: 661 564059
Parking: There is an underground car park opposite the museum.
Address: Avenida de Pinatar, on the corner with the Carretera de Sucina, click for map Museo San Javier, San Javier.
Click for more information about the San Javier municipality
