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Be Enchanted by Architectural and Spiritual Medieval Xàbia by Arts Historian and Educator, Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. (SpainLifestyle.com) * Copyright photos and text : Karla Darocas 2018 * Historically, settlers of many diverse cultures have populated and enjoyed this exclusive spot. The name could very well come from the Arabic “Xibìa”, which means “abundant”. Xàbia or Jávea is a Valencian coastal town in the Marina Alta region (Alicante). It has always been a privileged and strategic Mediterranean location enticing ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Christians.  MEDIEVAL FORTIFIED PARISH CHURCH  Today, the most impressive structure of this town is the parish church of San Bartolomé.  It is a royal treasure, a Valencian Gothic / Isabelline gem combining exquisite aesthetics with military defensive features like a watch tower, roof top parapet and «murder holes». For centuries Xàbia was a coastal settlement that fell victim to many threats, attacks and incursions arriving by the Mediterranean sea.