Palmeral of Elche

Photograph of the Palmeral of Elche with densely packed palm trees at the end of a muddy track. In the background stands a small white building and a horse and covered cart.  

The Palm Grove of Elche is situated in the eastern region of the city of Elche in southern Spain and consist of date palms that were first cultivated from as early as the 5th century BC by the Carthaginians. Many of the palms were cut down during the 17th century and into the 19th century when the city was modernised. However, the groves were saved from complete destruction despite their ceasing to be financially productive. In the 20th and 21st century, their use is now to provide an area for recreation for the occupants of Elche.