[Alicante] Southern view of the city of Orihuela

This original antique view of the historic city of Orihuela (Alicante), titled “Vista meridional de la ciudad de Orihuela”, was published in Madrid in 1783 as part of the ambitious work Atlante Español by Bernardo Espinalt y García. The print is a fundamental iconographic record for reconstructing the appearance of one of the most important cities of the former Kingdom of Valencia during the Age of Enlightenment. The original copperplate engraving stands out for its technical rigour and a scenic composition that captures the relationship between the city and the imposing backdrop of the sierra, providing great documentary value.
The view offers a southern perspective that allows one to appreciate the dense monumental fabric of Orihuela. A detailed numbered key (from 1 to 16) identifies the architectural landmarks that defined the civil and religious power of the city: from the Cathedral and the Parish of Santiago to the Episcopal Palace and the Town Hall. The religious richness of the city is evidenced by the profusion of convents (Dominicans, Mercedarians, Franciscans, Trinitarians) and colleges (such as that of Santo Domingo, identified here as college and university). In the upper part, the Hermitage of San Cristóbal and the College of San Miguel stand out, set into the mountainside. The whole is arranged around the central coat of arms of the city. It is a piece of interest for collectors focused on historic urbanism and the ecclesiastical heritage of the Levantine region.