Perched atop Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Spain, lies the breathtaking Santa Bárbara Castle. As one of the most iconic landmarks, this historic fortress has captivated both locals and visitors alike, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who has had the chance to witness its grandeur. With an elevation of 166 meters above sea level, you’ll be amazed and enchanted by the spectacular panoramic views of Alicante city and the enchanting bay of Alicante and Mediterranean Sea.
This awe-inspiring castle has a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years, making it a must-see destination for history buffs or anyone with an appreciation for captivating architecture. The Castillo houses the remnants of three different periods, offering a unique glimpse into the past of this stunning structure as you explore its halls and courtyards.
Castillo de Santa Barbara Alicante – A Brief History
The castle has its origins in the 9th century when it was built by the Muslims as a defensive fortress on top of Mount Benacantil, the most strategic point of the city.
Fast forward to 1248, when the castle was captured by the Castilians, led by Alfonso X of Castile who renamed it after Saint Barbara, as it was recaptured from the Moors on her feast day. Since then, the castle has seen numerous changes and expansions under different rulers. For example, James II of Aragon ordered its reconstruction in 1296, while it also saw modifications under Charles I of Spain and Philip II.
Throughout its history, the castle has been the site of many events, some more harrowing than others. In 1691, it faced bombardment from the French, and during the War of the Spanish Succession, the British occupied it. One of the darkest periods in the castle’s history occurred during the Spanish Civil War when it was used as a Francoist concentration camp.
After a period of abandonment, in 1963, the now-restored castle was opened to the public as a cultural and tourist attraction.
View of Alicante Port from Santa Barbara Castle
Things to See and Do at Santa Barbara Castle
You’ll find that there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained throughout your visit.
La Torreta (the upper enclosure): Start your journey at La Torreta, the oldest part of the castle. Here, you’ll find the keep.
El Baluarte de la Reina (the mid-level enclosure): Moving down to the mid-level of the fortress, you’ll encounter the Salón Felipe II hall, the Cuerpo de Guardia guard house, the Patio de Armas parade ground, and the Baluarte de la Reina bastion.
El Revellín del Bon Repós (the lower enclosure): Finally, make your way to the lower enclosure that houses the Revellín del Bon Repós ravelin and its mighty cannons.
As you continue your exploration, be sure to check out the various additional activities and facilities available. For instance, you can visit the Museum of Alicante’s history, showcasing archaeological artifacts and historical documents from various periods. You might also be interested in stopping by the exhibition hall, which hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions throughout the year.
Are you feeling a bit peckish? Head over to the castle’s cafeteria and restaurant, where you can enjoy some delicious refreshments and local cuisine.
Finally, if you’re visiting with children, you’ll be pleased to find a playground on site, providing a fun and safe space for the little ones to play.
The walkway up to Santa Bárbara Castle
How to Get to the Castle of Santa Bárbara
Getting to the castle from Alicante city centre is easy.
One option is to walk up the hill from La Ereta Park or Postiguet Beach. The hike takes about 30 minutes, but the scenic views along the way make it worthwhile.
If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can catch a minibus from Plaza Puerta del Mar or the MARQ Museum. The bus fare is €1.45 each way and it runs every 40 minutes.
For those in a hurry, the lift from Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, situated opposite Postiguet Beach, is an excellent choice. At €2.70 for a round trip, this option takes a couple of minutes.
Lastly, if you’d like to drive, head towards Avenida Vázquez de Mella, where you’ll find a car park near the castle entrance. Do take note, however, that parking is not allowed within the castle grounds themselves.
The Legend of Cara Del Moro “Face of the Moor”
You might be wondering about the intriguing rock formation on Mount Benacantil that overlooks the city of Alicante. Known as Cara Del Moro or the face of the Moor, this impressive natural feature resembles a human face carved into the rock staring out to sea.
So, what’s the captivating story behind this famous landmark? According to legend, there once lived a Moorish king who ruled Alicante. He had a stunningly beautiful daughter named Cántara. Love, as it often does, found its way into the story when Cántara fell deeply in love with a Christian knight held captive in the castle.
Brave Cántara couldn’t bear seeing her beloved in captivity. So she decided to help him escape by lowering a rope from her window.
Cántara’s father discovered their escape plan and, overcome with fury, ordered his soldiers to behead his daughter. The tragic end of their love story was etched into the landscape forever. As Cántara died, her face was imprinted on the rock, a testament to her undying love and sorrow.
Cara Del Moro Santa Bárbara Castle Alicante. Can you see the face?
Opening Hours and General Information
Opening Hours: The castle welcomes visitors every day, with hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., extending to 11:00 p.m. in summer. Keep in mind that the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. On certain days, the castle may close earlier for events or maintenance. Please take note that it’s closed on December 24th, 25th, and 31st; January 1st and 6th; and June 24th.
Price: Good news! Entrance to the castle is free for everyone. Just be aware that some activities or exhibitions inside the castle may charge fees.
Alicante Castle Lift: Located in Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, opposite el Postiguet Beach, the lift operates from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (or 10:30 p.m. in summer). For a round trip, it costs €2.70 and takes between 2 to 3 minutes to reach the castle. The lift can hold up to 13 people at a time.
Guided Tours: Are you interested in learning more about the castle? Guided tours are available for groups of up to 30 people. Lasting about an hour, they cost €3 per person and cover the history, architecture, and curiosities of the castle. These tours are offered in Spanish, English, French, German, and Valencian. Bookings can be made online or by phone.
Why Visit Santa Bárbara Castle?
Visiting Santa Bárbara Castle is a must for anyone exploring Alicante, and there are several compelling reasons for this. For starters, it’s one of the largest and oldest medieval fortresses in Spain, boasting a rich and varied history that spans over 1,000 years. Are you a history buff? If so, you’ll find the castle’s fascinating past simply captivating!
In addition to its historical significance, Santa Bárbara Castle offers spectacular views of the city and the sea from its strategic location on Mount Benacantil. This location also happens to be home to the famous Cara Del Moro rock formation, an iconic Alicante landmark. Just imagine the stunning photos you could capture for your holiday album!
The castle isn’t just for sightseeing, either; it offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to all ages and interests. You’ll find everything from historical and cultural exhibits to art and gastronomy within its massive walls. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, there’s bound to be something that grabs your attention.
Furthermore, reaching Santa Bárbara Castle is a breeze thanks to its convenient location. You have several options for getting there, such as walking, taking a bus, hopping on a lift, or driving. With all these choices, fitting the castle into your travel itinerary should be no trouble at all!
To summarise, Santa Bárbara Castle is an essential part of the history of Alicante, due to its, stunning views, range of attractions, and easy accessibility. Make sure to include the Castillo de Santa Bárbara on your list of must-see destinations when planning your trip—you won’t be disappointed!
