The Portalet of the Church Square returns to shine all its splendor. Last October, the Department of Services and Works, in charge of María José Ivars, removed the imposing solid wood door so that it could be restored. After the deterioration of the last years, accentuated by the episode of bad weather of September, it was in a poor state of conservation. The frame had been lifted from one side and posed a danger to users. In addition, it showed obvious signs of woodworm.
After passing through the hands of Iván Herrero, the carpenter who created it in his day, has been as new. As explained by the expert, a complete restoration has been carried out, both of the wood in poor condition and of the finishes, and the areas with woodworm have been sanitized. Likewise, the damaged parts have been replaced and, finally, a natural finish with oils has been applied to both the gate and the upper beam.
The shutter has also undergone modifications. The system, somewhat old and impractical, has been changed to a more modern and comfortable one, which will allow the use of the central small door and avoid the use of the large gate, which will prevent wear on the frame.
The Portalet is a symbol of the historic center of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. It is the name by which the door is known that gives access to the Church square from its back side. Although the current wooden structure is recent, it dates from 2007, it was formerly one of the entrances to the walled core on which the first villa was built.
This space meant in medieval times a walled enclosure formed by the slopes of the highest ground, the walls of the temple and the back of the houses.
In addition, it has a privileged location. If you cross the Portalet from the square, you come to a beautiful viewpoint from where you can see the Montgo, Cape Sant Antoni, the bay of Xàbia and the mountainous hills that rise up to Puig Llorença.
