Gata Guided Walk – Mirador Alcolaes and House of the Leper

Meeting point – Plaza Iglesia

On Friday 12th October 2018, it was “El Dia de Hispanidad” and the fiesta of San Pilar. a national holiday. 18 “gateros” (17 from Gata Residencial. 1 “gatera” met in the Church Square and were led on a walk through Gata to a couple of Miradors and the house of the leper by Gata’s official Cronista / blogista, Miguel Vives Signes.

Bridge and Plaque

We made our way across the oldest bridge in Gata and were told that it was across the narrowest part of the Gorgos river. Importantly, the house of the Leper pre-dates the bridge which ensured separation from the villagers and the lepers. 1933-1936.
Next, we saw a ceramic devotional plaque to San Vicente Ferrer (patron Saint of Valencia) and a devotional lamp.
On the way passed the primary school entrance, we took in a mirador with views to the park, church tower, Gata Residencial and the Raval (the oldest, Muslim area of Gata.)

Olivereta dels Moros & Store

We saw the Olive Tree of the Moors (Arabs) which we were told has never been pruned. It is said that it was planted in about 1000 c.e. Close by, we saw an ancient Moorish store which is thought to have been shelter for animals. The moorish arch feature is still visible.

Gata’s Flying Club

We passed the Ecoparc and then took a detour in to see the model aircraft club which has about 20 members, mostly gateros, but including British and Germans.

Helicopter pad

Sometimes this area is used for a helicopter pad when there is a search and rescue. The last time this was used as such was two years ago when they were looking for a couple who were missing in the campo near the football pitch.

Mirador Alcolaes

Shortly after we went into the campo on a well-marked trail to the mirador de Alcolaes with its beautiful views of the town, Montgó and the ruins of the house of the Leper below.

The House of the Leper

We then returned to the main road and made our way to the path leading to the House of the Leper (1892 – 1918). Here we were told that many Gateros, even now, do not know about the House of the Leper because it is such a sensitive subject for some. This building predates the Sanatorium at Fontilles. Throughout the Marina Alta region there are many such houses but the one in Gata was built after 2 people a young girl and man, died and the priest, Juan Martínez Blasco, 2 doctors and the then mayor agreed to build a house. At that time, there was no bridge so due to the limited access, leprosy sufferers and the other villagers were able to remain apart. Such houses were called “Lazaretos” (Isolation Hospital especially for the treatment and care of lepers). This one in Gata has been photographed and specialist doctors who lecture around the world about this subject, use this house to illustrate the treatment of such patients.

The House construction

The site itself has a reconstructed door and above there used to be a ceramic plaque dedicated to Lazarus. As you walk through you can see 8 windows for on each side. This indicate that there were 4 rooms, on each side of the house. Normally there were up to 8 people living there but at one time this figure reach 10.

Ruins

The house is in ruins. After the last patient moved to Fontilles, the authorities removed the roof and it is said the original floor is still under the rubble. Efforts to encourage the town hall to clean the site have gone unheeded.

When it was inhabited

We were told that at the time when people were living there, they used to sing beautifully and so loudly, and with the good acoustics across the river, the townspeople could hear them. The former would bring food and leave it on the dry river bed so that the lepers could come and collect it.
It is thought that Juan Martinez died either from some form of herpes or indeed, from leprosy.