Long ago, the warden of Orihuela, Benzaddon, lived in the citadel.
Nearby, in the Arrabal Roche neighbourhood on the Costa Blanca, Pedro Armengol lived with his wife and daughters. His wife was the wet nurse for the warden’s children, giving her free access to the fortress.
One day, the local Mudejars joined forces with those from the Kingdom of Murcia to plan a massacre of the Christian residents. The attack was set for 16 July. Benzaddon decided to spare the wet nurse and her family from the slaughter.
However, the secret was leaked by Pedro Armengol’s wife. To save her people, she came up with a clever plan. She dressed two strong soldiers in her daughters’ clothes. Together with her husband, they went to the citadel, where the guards were quietly killed.
According to legend, Saints Justa and Rufina, who were greatly honoured in the area, appeared as shining stars resting on the fortress.
Armengol fought bravely, showing great courage with his weapons. A cross was placed on the highest part of the castle.
The warden was killed, the castle was taken by the Christians, and the news that King James’s army was coming stopped the Mudejars from carrying out their planned attack.
Today, the people of Orihuela still remember this event. Every year on the 17th of July, they celebrate the city’s liberation from the Muslims.
The night before, lanterns are lit among the ruined castle walls. The next day, the town council, carrying the city banner and led by mace bearers, attends a religious service at the parish church of Saints Justa and Rufina. There, the story of Pedro Armengol’s brave wife is told to all who listen.
