XIX - XX Centuries
One special characteristic of Jávea-Xàbia has its roots in its historical confrontation with Dénia. In the War of Spanish Succession (1704-1714), Dénia was on the side of the house of Austria, while Jávea remained faithful to the Borbón king Felipe V, an attitude which earned the town attacks from supporters of the house of Austria. Later, when Felipe was king, the first of the Borbón dynasty, he granted Jávea the privilege of using on its coat of arms the fleur-de-lis or two crowned Ls like those of the city of Valencia, as a symbol of its loyalty. From this moment and for more than twenty years, Jávea had more inhabitants than Dénia.
During the war against France (1810-1812), Dénia took in French garrisons, while Jávea offered resistance. At this time, Antonio Catalá became famous as the chief of a band of guerrillas who regularly harassed the French troops in the region.
The wealth obtained from the cultivation and trade in raisins led to the construction of large houses, while in the country the typical “riu-raus,” characteristic features of rural architecture, appeared. With the end of pirate attacks, the demolition of the walls began and suburbs grew up.
The walls were finally demolished altogether in 1873.
In 1878, Jávea-Xàbia had a third-class Customs house, Navy headquarters and a Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) post with six guards. The town had 941 buildings and 6452 inhabitants. The main local agricultural products were raisins, wheat, silk, pulses, fruit and vegetables. Many people also worked as sailors and fishermen.
The Restoration of the Monarchy ushered in an regime of basically despotic nature, in which Jávea stood out due to the importance and influence of its leaders. This political system lasted up to the institution of the II Republic. |
Molinos (La Plana ,S.XVIII)
Fachada posterior del Ayuntamiento
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