Santa B谩rbara Castle, Alicante (must see)
Santa B谩rbara Castle's hilltop location on Monte Benacantil has made it a strategically important site since ancient times, dating back to the Carthaginian era. Its elevated position provides a commanding view of the surrounding region. The castle's origins trace back to the 9th century when it was originally an Islamic alcazar, or Moorish fortress. It played a significant role in the region's history during this period.
The castle gained its name, Santa B谩rbara Castle, from a victorious battle during the Christian Reconquista when it was captured from the Moors by Prince Alfonso of Castile. This battle occurred on the feast day of Santa Barbara, which explains the castle's name. During the reign of Philip II, the castle underwent a significant renovation in the Renaissance style. This phase of its history added architectural elements and features that still stand today.
While touring the castle, you'll have the opportunity to explore various attractions, including La Torreta (the old keep or tower), the magnificent reception hall of Philip II, the Patio de Armas (courtyard), and the Revell铆n del Bon Rep贸s rampart. The castle hosts themed weekends, dramatized visits, and gastronomic experiences throughout the year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different aspects of its history and culture.
One of the most captivating aspects of Santa B谩rbara Castle is its panoramic coastal views. From the ramparts and the tower, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas that encompass the town, the bay, and the hills to the north.
Santa B谩rbara Castle is open year-round for visitors.
The castle gained its name, Santa B谩rbara Castle, from a victorious battle during the Christian Reconquista when it was captured from the Moors by Prince Alfonso of Castile. This battle occurred on the feast day of Santa Barbara, which explains the castle's name. During the reign of Philip II, the castle underwent a significant renovation in the Renaissance style. This phase of its history added architectural elements and features that still stand today.
While touring the castle, you'll have the opportunity to explore various attractions, including La Torreta (the old keep or tower), the magnificent reception hall of Philip II, the Patio de Armas (courtyard), and the Revell铆n del Bon Rep贸s rampart. The castle hosts themed weekends, dramatized visits, and gastronomic experiences throughout the year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different aspects of its history and culture.
One of the most captivating aspects of Santa B谩rbara Castle is its panoramic coastal views. From the ramparts and the tower, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas that encompass the town, the bay, and the hills to the north.
Santa B谩rbara Castle is open year-round for visitors.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alicante. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Santa B谩rbara Castle on Map
Sight Name: Santa B谩rbara Castle
Sight Location: Alicante, Spain (See walking tours in Alicante)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Alicante, Spain (See walking tours in Alicante)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Alicante, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Alicante
Creating your own self-guided walk in Alicante is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Alicante Introduction Walking Tour
A coastal gem on the eastern shores of Spain, where the sun kisses the sea and the turquoise Mediterranean waters gently lap against the sandy shores, the city of Alicante is an ideal combination of leisure activities and cultural attractions.
The Alicante region boasts a fascinating history spanning over 7,000 years. Early settlements on the slopes of Mount Benacantil emerged between 5000 and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The Alicante region boasts a fascinating history spanning over 7,000 years. Early settlements on the slopes of Mount Benacantil emerged between 5000 and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles