Friday, March 21, marked a deeply significant date in the history of Almoradí — the anniversary of the devastating 1829 earthquake that not only transformed the town but also obliterated nearby municipalities such as Torrevieja, Guardamar, and Benejúzar.
Since that tragic event, Almoradí has honoured the memory of the disaster with an annual prayer to San Emigdio, the patron saint invoked against earthquakes.
In commemoration of this historic event, the Almoradí City Council is putting the final touches on the much-anticipated “Earthquake Museum”, set to open in spring 2025.
Housed in one of the few surviving homes rebuilt after the quake, the museum aims to bring history to life through an immersive experience that will allow visitors to relive the earthquake’s impact on the daily lives of the region’s inhabitants.
The museum not only recounts the events of March 21, 1829 at 6:15 a.m., but also recreates the rebirth of Almoradí, offering a powerful, emotional journey into the most transformative event in the history of Vega Baja.
Beyond preserving history, the museum will also serve an educational purpose, raising awareness about the prevention of natural disasters, a crucial topic in a region historically vulnerable to such events. A special section of the museum will pay tribute to José Agustín de Larramendi, a central figure in the reconstruction efforts that gave rise to modern Almoradí.
The building itself was purchased by the Council in late 2018 and underwent restoration through a grant from the Alicante Provincial Council’s Historic Architectural Heritage Rehabilitation Plan. The museum installation was made possible thanks to European funding from the NextGenerationEU Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
With the opening of the Earthquake Museum, Almoradí will offer both locals and visitors an opportunity to connect deeply with its past, understand the resilience of its people, and appreciate the historical significance of a disaster that reshaped an entire region.
