# Palmeral of Elche

> World Heritage Site in Elche, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q930784](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q930784)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmeral_of_Elche)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/palmeral-of-elche

## Summary
The Palmeral of Elche is a historic palm grove and World Heritage Site located in Elche, Spain. It represents one of the largest palm groves in Europe and showcases a unique agricultural landscape that has been cultivated since the Middle Ages.

## Key Facts
- The Palmeral of Elche is classified as a World Heritage Site in Elche, Spain
- It is located in Elche, a city in the Comunidad Valenciana region of Spain
- The site is associated with the concept of a garden, defined as a planned space for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants
- It is also related to the concept of a grove, described as a small group of trees
- The site has coordinates at approximately 38.27°N, -0.70°W
- It has 35 sitelinks and is documented on Wikipedia under the title "Palmeral of Elche"

## FAQs
What is the Palmeral of Elche?
The Palmeral of Elche is a historic palm grove located in Elche, Spain, recognized as a World Heritage Site for its cultural and agricultural significance.

Where is the Palmeral of Elche located?
The Palmeral of Elche is located in the city of Elche, which is part of the Comunidad Valenciana region in Spain.

What makes the Palmeral of Elche significant?
The Palmeral of Elche is significant as one of Europe's largest palm groves, representing a unique agricultural landscape that has been cultivated since the Middle Ages and recognized as a World Heritage Site.

## Why It Matters
The Palmeral of Elche matters as a living testament to centuries of agricultural innovation and cultural heritage. As one of Europe's largest palm groves, it represents a unique ecosystem that has been carefully maintained since the Middle Ages, demonstrating the successful integration of agriculture with urban development. Its designation as a World Heritage Site underscores its global importance as a cultural landscape that preserves traditional farming practices while providing ecological benefits to the region.

## Notable For
- Being one of the largest palm groves in Europe
- Its designation as a World Heritage Site
- Representing a unique agricultural landscape cultivated since the Middle Ages
- Its integration of traditional farming practices with urban development
- Serving as an important ecological resource in the Comunidad Valenciana region

## Body
### Location and Geography
The Palmeral of Elche is situated in Elche, a city located in the Comunidad Valenciana region of Spain. The site's coordinates are approximately 38.27°N latitude and -0.70°W longitude, placing it in a Mediterranean climate zone ideal for palm cultivation. The palm grove extends across various parts of the city, creating a distinctive green landscape that contrasts with the surrounding urban development.

### Historical Context
The palm grove has been cultivated since the Middle Ages, representing centuries of agricultural tradition and expertise. The system of cultivation and water management developed over this long period has created a unique agricultural landscape that has survived to the present day. The Palmeral demonstrates the successful adaptation of agricultural practices to the local climate and conditions, making it an important example of sustainable land use.

### Classification and Recognition
As a World Heritage Site, the Palmeral of Elche has received international recognition for its cultural and historical significance. The site is classified as a garden, which is defined as a planned space set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants. Additionally, it relates to the concept of a grove, described as a small group of trees, though the Palmeral is notably large in scale compared to typical groves.

### Ecological and Cultural Significance
The Palmeral serves multiple functions beyond its agricultural value. It provides important ecological benefits to the region, including habitat for various species and contribution to local biodiversity. The site also represents a significant cultural landscape that reflects the historical development of Elche and the surrounding region. The palm trees and associated agricultural practices have become an integral part of the city's identity and cultural heritage.

### Relationship to Urban Development
The Palmeral of Elche demonstrates a unique integration of agricultural land use with urban development. The palm grove is not isolated from the city but rather forms an essential part of Elche's urban fabric. This integration showcases how traditional agricultural landscapes can be preserved and maintained within a modern urban context, providing both cultural and environmental benefits to the city's inhabitants.

### Documentation and Research
The site is documented on Wikipedia under the title "Palmeral of Elche" and has 35 sitelinks, indicating its significance as a subject of study and interest. The documentation of the Palmeral contributes to the preservation of knowledge about traditional agricultural practices and the historical development of the region. Research on the site continues to provide insights into sustainable agriculture, cultural heritage preservation, and the relationship between human activity and the natural environment.

## References

1. [Wiki Loves Monuments monuments database. 2017](https://tools.wmflabs.org/heritage/api/api.php?action=search&format=json&srcountry=es&srlang=es&srid=RI-52-0000020)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. datos.bne.es
5. [Source](https://eduwp.edu.gva.es/patrimonio-cultural/ficha-inmueble.php?id=1676)
6. [Source](http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/930)