Iglesia Parroquial del Nacimiento del Señor, Orba

Parish Church of the Birth of the Lord

At the heart of Orba stands the Parish Church of the Birth of the Lord, built on the site of an old mosque and substantially remodeled in the 19th and early 20th centuries . Its most distinctive feature is the elegant square-base bell tower, likely designed by architect Toribio Íscar Sáez, combining limestone and rough stone, and housing three historic bells—Santo Tomás de Villanueva, Nativity of the Lord, and a mid-sized bell

What Makes It Unique

1. Architectural Transition & Heritage
   The church blends Islamic origins with neoclassical and early 20th-century Christian influences. In 1917, local painter Carlos Ruano Llopis adorned its interior with murals, most notably “The Prophecy of Abraham” on the main altar
2. Symbolic Bell Tower
   Serving as a visual landmark with three centuries-old bells, the tower not only marks time but also reflects Orba’s civic identity and architectural continuity
3. Cultural & Spiritual Heart
   Designated a Monument of Local Interest, it remains vital to Orba’s religious and community life. It stands amid Moorish-rooted streets and marks the starting point for local religious festivals and historical routes

Openinghours

Summary

The Parish Church of the Birth of the Lord, with its layered history, striking bell tower, and richly decorated interior, offers a spiritual, architectural, and cultural centerpiece in Orba. A must-visit stop for those exploring Moorish heritage, sacred art, and the living traditions of Marina Alta.