On the Mount Benacantil (166 m) overlooking the port of Alicante is the castle of Santa Barbara.
There have been fortifications here since the ninth century. Originally it was the Moors who used it to defend the city and the port, but the castle was recaptured by the Spanish (Castilian forces) on 4 December 1248.
It was the feast day of the saint Santa Barbara, therefore it was named after her. Later it was conquered and partially destroyed by Aragonese forces in 1296.
In the following centuries, the castle has been subjected to several attacks, destructions and reconstructions by various groups. Among other things, it has been bombarded by the French and occupied by the British for three years.
From the eighteenth century, the castle gained less and less military importance. Instead, it was used for periods as a prison.
From April 1939 until the end of the year, Franco used it as a concentration camp for republican prisoners. After this, the castle remained in use until 1963 when it was opened to the public.
Later, an elevator was built inside the mountain from ground level in the city below. In recent decades, the castle has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Alicante region.
The good view from the castle keep is probably the most important reason why it was built. From here you can keep an eye on everything that happens both at sea and on land.
Inside the castle area there is a museum where you get an impression of how the castle was used in earlier times.
Nice recreation areas have been created within the castle walls with restaurants, kiosks and areas where you can also consume food and drink that you have brought with you.
More excursions: www.turideer.com
This week's excursion: Castle Castle Santa Barbara in Alicante - castle with dramatic history
Fits everyone. Wheelchairs and prams are fine.
Entrance: free
Opening hours (2023):
From 15 November to 27 February: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 18.00
From 28 February to 16 June: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
From 17 June to 4 September: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 23.00
From 5 September to 14 November: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 20.00
Get there: Search for Santa Barbara Alicante in Google Maps. If you want to drive, park at the marked car park on the slopes up towards the castle. There are very few parking spaces, so it is recommended that you either take the shuttle bus that leaves from the port Puerta del Mar (Euro 1.45), or that you walk up the marked route from the old town. You can also take a lift inside the mountain from Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.
If you want more information:
Telephone: +34 673849890
E-mail:Â info@castillodesantabarbara.com