Urban art in the historic centre. Credit: Calpe Council
What looked like a narrow alleyway in the heart of Calpe’s old town has suddenly become a must-see stop for art lovers. Overnight, on Tuesday December 23, a discreet corner of the historic centre was transformed into an open-air gallery, surprising residents and visitors alike with a new piece of urban art.
Urban art in the historic centre
The mural is the latest work by Denia-based graffiti artist Tardor Roselló, who has once again left his mark on the municipality. Located in San Roc street, the piece stands out both for its unexpected location and its high level of detail, quickly capturing the attention of passers-by walking through this traditionally quiet area.
An artist with international recognition
Tardor Roselló has built a solid reputation within the international urban art scene thanks to a highly recognisable style that combines realism with strong emotional depth. His work often explores themes linked to identity, memory and everyday life, using meticulous detail and expressive colour palettes that have become his artistic signature.
From Dresden to Mumbai, without losing his roots
Despite having murals in cities such as Dresden (Germany) and Mumbai (India), the artist continues to show a strong commitment to his home region. This latest intervention in Calpe, with a cost of €1,800, forms part of the expanding Museu d’Art Urbà, an initiative promoted by Calpe Town Council to bring contemporary art closer to everyday public spaces.
A mural that has become a local landmark
One of Tardor’s most striking works in the town is Un regalo para mí (A gift for myself), completed just over a year ago on one of the façades of the Town Hall. The mural quickly became a visual landmark, admired for its powerful imagery and reflective tone, and continues to attract attention from both residents and tourists.
The cultural value of urban art
The councillor for Culture, Guillermo Sendra, has highlighted that having an artist of Tardor’s calibre — internationally recognised and awarded by the specialised platform Street Art Cities — represents a significant qualitative leap for the cultural and tourist appeal of the historic centre.
Calpe’s commitment to public art
Calpe has strengthened its relationship with art in recent years, using creativity as a tool for urban regeneration and cultural identity. Through projects such as the Museu d’Art Urbà, streets, façades and squares have been transformed into open-air exhibition spaces, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known areas of the town.
Past examples and cultural future
Previous murals and artistic interventions have already demonstrated how art can revitalise the old town, generate new visitor routes and create a stronger emotional bond between the urban environment and the community. With each new project, Calpe continues to consolidate its position as a destination where culture, creativity and tourism go hand in hand.