Santa Bárbara Castle
Valenciana, Comunidad
Santa Bárbara Castle is a prominent medieval fortress located on Mount Benacantil in the heart of Alicante, Spain. Standing at 166 meters above sea level, it commands strategic views over the Alicante bay and surrounding lands. The mountain's profile resembles a face, earning it the nickname "the face of the Moor," an iconic symbol of the city. The origins of the castle date back to the 9th century during Muslim rule, with archaeological evidence of Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman presence on the site. Captured by Christian forces in 1248 on Saint Barbara's feast day, it was renamed accordingly and later rebuilt and expanded under Aragonese kings, notably James II, Peter IV, Charles I, and Philip II. The castle played a military role through various conflicts, including the War of the Spanish Succession and was bombarded multiple times. It was also used as a prison and a concentration camp during the Spanish Civil War. Since opening to the public in 1963, visitors can explore its three distinct enclosures, including the oldest Torreta with medieval foundations, the 16th-century central rooms, and the lower 18th-century area. The castle houses the Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA) and offers amenities like lifts inside the mountain. It remains a vibrant cultural venue with guided tours, gastronomic experiences, and events, making it a must-visit landmark that blends history, architecture, and breathtaking views.
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Astuce: For the best experience, visit between February and June when the castle is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Entrance to the castle is free, but there is a small fee for the elevator inside the mountain, which can be reserved online in advance. Guided tours and various cultural and gastronomic activities are available, enhancing your visit. Consider visiting in the afternoon to enjoy spectacular Mediterranean sunsets from the castle. Discounts are offered for seniors and groups, so check the official website for details.
Faits intéressants
- •The mountain on which the castle stands is nicknamed "the face of the Moor" due to its profile resembling a human face when viewed from the beach.
- •The castle was captured on December 4, 1248, coinciding with Saint Barbara's feast day, which inspired its name.
- •It was occupied by British forces for three years during the War of the Spanish Succession.
- •The castle served as a Francoist concentration camp for Republican prisoners in 1939 after the Spanish Civil War.
- •An elevator inside the mountain allows visitors to ascend 142.7 meters through a 204.83-meter tunnel, providing easy access to the fortress.
- •The castle grounds include the Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA) and feature Renaissance cisterns and various historical bastions and halls.
Histoire
The site of Santa Bárbara Castle has been occupied since the Bronze Age, with Iberian and Roman artifacts found nearby.
The fortress itself was established in the 9th century under Muslim control.
It was captured by Castilian forces on December 4, 1248, Saint Barbara's feast day, giving the castle its name.
The Aragonese took control in 1296 and undertook significant reconstruction.
Subsequent monarchs such as Peter IV, Charles I, and Philip II further fortified the castle, particularly between 1562 and 1580 under Juan Bautista Antonelli's designs.
The castle endured bombardments during the late 17th century and the War of the Spanish Succession, including British occupation.
In the 19th century, it was involved in local conflicts and was eventually disarmed.
During the Spanish Civil War, it served as a Francoist concentration camp.
The castle was abandoned until it opened to the public in 1963 with the installation of elevators for visitor access.
Guide du lieu
La Torreta (The Keep)11th-13th centuries
The highest and oldest part of the castle, containing foundations from the 11th to 13th centuries. It houses the old Torre del Homenaje, the Bastion of the English, the Engineers Park, Noble Room (former hospital), and the Governor's House.
Felipe II Hall and Central Enclosure1580
Completed in 1580, this section includes the former Corps of the Troop, the large Patio de Armas, ruins of the hermitage of Santa Bárbara, Guard Corps, and Baluarte de la Reina bastion.
Lower Enclosure and Ravellí del Bon Repós18th century
Dating from the 18th century, this area serves as parking and includes the monument to Félix Berenguer de Marquina, a notable Alicante soldier and viceroy of New Spain.
Museum of the City of Alicante (MUSA)
Located within the castle, MUSA consists of five rooms showcasing Alicante's history, complemented by a Renaissance cistern.
Contact
Téléphone: 673 84 98 90
