Beniganím

Beniganim is located in the northwest sector of the comarca of Vall d'Albaida in the province of Valencia, Spain. Counting a population of 6.512 inhabitants. (ENI 2011)

Near this town are areas of great natural beauty, allowing one to enjoy nature. An example is the Solana, where are located the remains of ancient settlements dating from the third millennium BC.

The town itself also shows the passing of time in the layout of the streets and houses. The oldest part of town is known as the Illeta neighbourhood with narrow, irregular streets which date back to the twelfth century, when Mohammed Abu-grab-Ben-Gania received this land and founded a new town, which after the conquest passed into Christian hands. The new neighbourhoods have streets wide and straight, but they continue to converge on the one important point – the town square and the church.

There are several churches to visit within the town, including the the Parish Church of San Miguel and the Christ Church of the Holy Blood.

The Town Hall located in the Plaza Mayor is an ashlar stone house of the seventeenth century, although the inside has been renovated. At the entrance is the shield of the town, carved in stone. Attached to the Town Hall is the Casa Ribelles, built in the seventeenth century, which belonged to a noble family of the town and is now municipally owned.

Next to the square is Calle Moncada, and the house where Sister Josepha Maria of Saint Agnes lived. Born in 1625 she became an Augustinian nun who was born poor and noted for her austere way of life. She had the gift of prophecy and was consulted by people from all walks of life for her spiritual insights. She was venerated in 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI (decree of heroic virtues) and beatified in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII.

Also worth a visit is the recently restored public wash house located in Calle Dr. Benavent which is in everyday use, it includes a ceramic mural concerning the life of the Blessed Agnes.