Kingnewswire / press release // Valence, Spain-a group of more than 100 scientologists from the United States, Italy, Mexico, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and other countries gathered at the end of April for a moving journey through the cities of Valencia and Alicante, revisiting the historic places where the founder of their religion, Hubbard, once worked and worked. More than just a tourist visit, this four -day event has become a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage, connecting the past and the present, belief and heritage.
Spain is becoming a remarkable destination for religious tourism, not only for its secular Christian heritage, but also for contemporary spiritual movements whose historical roots in the country are beginning to attract global attention. One of these movements is the Church of Scientology, of which the founder, L. Ron Hubbard, stayed in Spain in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. His presence left a lasting heritage which today inspires pilgrimages and spiritual trips to scientologists from all over the world.
It has now become a tradition for groups of Scientologists from around the world to go to Spain, to the places where ML Ron Hubbard lived, worked or stayed. Their route already includes the Canary Islands, Seville and now Valence, where Hubbard would have developed part of his religious philosophy during his maritime period. These travelers are not simple tourists; For them, it is a form of spiritual reconnection, a way to walk in the footsteps of their founder and to deepen their understanding of his teachings.
Rediscover the role of Valence in the history of Scientology
The experience began in Valence, where the participants, staying in the elegant Only You hotel, attended an information meeting on the visit of L. Ron Hubbard in the city in the late 1960s. Valence occupies a unique place in the history of Scientology: it is here, on board the royal ship Scotman moored in the port of the city, that some of the highest spiritual levels of the era exempt. Parishioners from around the world have come to study these advanced teachings, and the heritage of this era still resonates deep within the Church today.
The visit then led the group to the heart of Valencia, starting with the medieval Serranos towers, then continuing through the many emblematic churches and the historic sites of the city. For many participants, the architecture, the history and the lively atmosphere of the city offered a striking contrast with the inner contemplation which often accompanies spiritual journeys.
Celebration of a spiritual heritage by the sea
On the second day, the group met at the Duna Puerto restaurant, in the port of Valence, for lunch. It was not an ordinary place: it was indeed in this port that the Royal Scotman accosted in 1968. A group photo immortalized this important moment, while visitors paid tribute to the historical role played by Valence in the development of their movement.
In the evening, the celebrations continued in the elegant property Masia Xamandreu. An animated program of flamenco dancers and Spanish artists set the tone for an unforgettable evening, embellished with a traditional Spanish dinner.
Alicante and the spirit of continuous exploration
On Sunday, the group went to Alicante, another coastal city linked to the trip of the Apollo, which settled there for three months in 1968. The participants visited the hotel where many Scientologists were accommodated at that time and took a group photo in front of the site to honor its role in the expansion of Scientology.
After a traditional lunch at the La Dársena restaurant, located in the Marina, the visit continued at the Château de Santa Barbara, which offers a panoramic view of Alicante and the Mediterranean. The evening ended with a dinner in a starred restaurant in the Michelin guide, just below the castle, a perfect conclusion for a day under the sign of reflection, history and camaraderie.
A moving fence in Albufera
On the last day, the group went to the Albufera Natural Park, just south of Valence. At the Barraca del Palmar, a traditional Valencian hut surrounded by orange trees, the participants tasted a rustic lunch made up of a real paella and were able to enjoy a moment of calm contemplation.
The most moving moment of the day was the arrival of Emilio M., a resident of the region who had worked as steward aboard the Apollo in 1968. Emilio told living anecdotes on the way he had taken care of the cabin of L. Ron Hubbard and had interacted with the captain during his three -month stay. Although today he was elderly, his memories were imbued with heat and respect, offering the group a striking testimony of a pivotal moment in their history.
Religious tourism in Spain: more than a simple story
Events like this underline the broader value of religious tourism in Spain. The country has long been a destination for travelers in search of spirituality, whether it be pilgrims who travel the path of Compostela, visitors who explore the Moorish mosques, the Gothic cathedrals, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or, more and more, modern spiritual sites linked to new religious movements.
Religious tourism enriches local economies and promotes intercultural understanding, especially since visitors like these Scientologists are interested in the historical and cultural heritage of Spain while deepening their own spiritual path.
Humanitarian action in Valence, in Spain
International scientology pilgrims were also informed of the impact of their local donations and coreligionaries during the last disaster that struck Valence at the end of 2024 and early 2025. The devastating storm Dana (uncontrolled floods) which struck Valence in October 2024 was a striking example of this commitment. While torrential rains caused serious floods and disturbances throughout the region, the volunteer ministers of Scientology, recognizable by their bright yellow shirts, quickly mobilized in coordination with local and international rescue organizations.
In partnership with the famous Mexican research and rescue team “Los Topos”, the volunteer ministers have provided their help in the most affected areas of Valencia and its surroundings. Their work consisted in clearing out debris, helping the elderly, distributing provisions and providing spiritual support to people traumatized by the event. Their presence was noticed in various press articles and local community reports, and praised by the affected citizens who saw in them a reliable and attentive force in the midst of the disaster.
Beyond this specific event, the volunteer ministers continue to serve within the framework of various humanitarian initiatives across Spain, faithful to their motto: “We can do something”. Whether it is a question of providing aid to communities in crisis or helping people in their daily difficulties, their role as an active expression of the values of Scientology has found an echo throughout the pilgrimage, many participants who have shared personal testimonies on their own service as voluntary ministers.
A journey engraved in memory
At the end of the visit, the participants left with much more than photos and memories. They took with them a renewed appreciation of the spiritual roots of their movement, a feeling of belonging to a world community and deep memories of the places and people who have shaped their faith. By revisiting the traces of L. Ron Hubbard in Valencia and Alicante, they not only paid tribute to history, but they also revived.
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