Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante facts and information

The Castle of Santa Barbara (Castillo de Santa Barbara), also known as the Alicante Fortress, looms over the city like an unconquerable defender. It was built on the summit of Mount Benacantil, rising over 160 meters above the nearby sea level.

The ruins of the fortress are visible from every corner of the city and can serve as a distinctive landmark, making it nearly impossible to get lost while exploring Alicante.

Saint Barbara Castle in Alicante and its history

The highest value of any castle lies in its history. The ruins of the fortress in Alicante are no different in this regard from other landmarks and can boast a turbulent and adventurous past.

The origins of the castle date back to the deep past, reaching as far as the 9th century, when the Moors began the construction of a mighty fortress on the Costa Blanca coast. The castle’s purpose was to guard the port as a Muslim foothold on the Iberian Peninsula. For many centuries, the Moors inhabited present-day Spain and Portugal, and their influence is still evident today in the culture, architecture, and even the cuisine of Southern Europe.

The Alicante Castle was built while incorporating typical Moorish elements. The building decorations, crafted from light-coloured stone, were full of pointed arches, inlaid floors, and columns. In accordance with Islamic art, the beauty of the celestial should have its reflection in earthly architecture. Unfortunately, very few original ornaments have been preserved.

Saint Barbara’s Castle under Christian rule

The lands along the Costa Blanca coast were wrested from the hands of the Muslims in the 13th century. It was then that the fortress fell into the hands of Christians. In the late year 1248, the future king of Spain, Alfonso X the Wise, personally rode up the hill and planted a cross on one of the castle towers.

The conquerors renamed the former Muslim fortress to the Castle of Santa Barbara. The name originated from the fact that the decisive and victorious battle for the stronghold took place on the feast day of Saint Barbara, so it was decided that she would become the patron saint of the castle.

For many centuries, the castle in Alicante defended the coast against external invaders and, on several occasions, against enemies from within the country. Its elevated position on the hill was a significant advantage, enabling the defence of the area and serving as a refuge for the residents in times of danger.

However, with time, the old walls ceased to be sufficient. With the development of military art and the advent of firearms, maintaining the fortress became impractical. Thus, in the 18th century, the castle was transformed into a prison where the most ruthless criminals from all over Spain were sent. Over time, this place gained a reputation similar to the famous prison in the USA located on Alcatraz Island, from which escape seemed impossible.

Castle of Saint Barbara in Alicante, currently a fortress tour

Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante consists of three levels, formed by defensive walls and other fortifications. This structure partly results from the castle’s location, but also from the fact that the complex was developed over many centuries under the supervision of various cultures.

Before you ascend to the top of Mount Benacantil, where the fortress stands, I suggest pausing and having a look at the massive rock from a distance. Not only does it look stunning against the backdrop of the blue sea. According to local legend, the mountain is said to resemble the figure of a Moorish warrior with a crown on his head, formed by the Castle of Santa Barbara.

Honestly, during many attempts, we could only see a resemblance to a dog’s head. On the other hand, centuries ago, Christians referred to Moors as godless dogs, so perhaps that’s how it should be.

Once you reach the hill and stand at the top of the fortress, you will be rewarded with a view that compensates for any discomfort from the earlier climb. You will witness a fairy-tale-like panorama – the vast, azure Mediterranean Sea below, with the famous Playa del Postiguet beach, the port, and the city spreading across the surrounding hills.

The highest and oldest part of the castle, a Moorish stronghold

This is not only the oldest part of the castle but also the most interesting. Here, medieval buildings adorned with battlements and turrets showcase a blend of Moorish architecture with medieval structures.

Among the most significant buildings is the historic Vassal Tower. It was here that the nobility would come to pledge their loyalty and devotion to the crown. Next to it stands the former governors’ house of Alicante, housing the Hall of Glory and rooms from a medieval hospital, along with many other intriguing relics.

It’s worth spending some extra time at the top and strolling through the expansive squares and gardens. In one of them, you can find a stonecutters’ workshop famous for producing millstones, highly regarded throughout Europe.

Of course, the main attraction of this part of the castle is the incredible, breathtaking views of Alicante and the blue sea, with the port lying beneath the mountain.

The only incongruent elements in the surroundings are the ubiquitous television, radio, and telephone antennas. The abundance of cables, electrical boxes, and masts effectively disrupts the historical atmosphere at the summit of the Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante.

Furthermore, keep in mind that there is a coffee on-site where you can enjoy a cold beer or order some light snacks. Free toilets are available within the castle grounds.

Central part of the Alicante fortress

The central part of Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante was constructed in the late 16th century during the rule of the Habsburg dynasty. This section of the fortress is primarily associated with the military and the art of warfare. Here lies the Noble Hall, where assemblies of the local nobility and royal vassals took place. You can also find the Military Corps, Guard Corps, Queen’s Bastion, Philip II Hall, and an extensive palace in this area.

On this level, you will also come across the ruins of the renowned Monastery of Santa Barbara, from which the entire castle derives its name.

The lowest part of the Alicante fortress

The lowest level of the fortress is situated at the height of today’s parking lots. These areas occupy the expansive former courtyard known as Revellín del Bon Repós, where ceremonial marches and military parades were once held. Additionally, you can find fortifications built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries in this section.

Various events, concerts, meetings, and historical picnics organized by the city authorities of Alicante take place here.

Saint Barbara’s Castle in Alicante practical information

• Visiting the castle in Alicante is free of charge.
• Around the castle, there are parking lots, which can sometimes be insufficient. Occasionally, the only chance to park your car is in nearby streets and squares. The situation worsens during summer, when the Costa Blanca coast experiences a true influx of tourists. Personally, I suggest leaving the car at the hotel and using public transportation to reach Alicante, which functions very well throughout Spain.
• Castle Address and Tourist Contact:
  • Monte Benacantil, Castillo Santa Bárbara, S/N, 03013 Alicante.
  • (+34) 965 177 201
  • turismo@alicanteturismo.com
• Opening Hours:
  • From November to February, the castle is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
  • From March to mid-June and from October to November, the monument is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
  • The rest of June until September, the castle opens at 10:00 and remains open until 23:00.
• You can reach the castle from the car park by bus, which runs every half hour. The fare is 1.50 euros one way per person.
• To get to the top of Mount Benacantil, you can also use an elevator, which you can board from Postiguet beach, in Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora. The elevator operates during the castle’s opening hours. The cost of the elevator ride is 2.70 euros.
• Visiting the castle is possible in a larger, organized group. Such visits should be arranged by sending a completed form to the castle’s official email address.
• Official website of the Castle of Santa Barbara.

Alicante Castle facts, information, and curiosities

• Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante dates back to the 9th century, but archaeological studies indicate that before the Moors built their fortress on the top of Mount Benacantil, there was another defensive structure. It was likely constructed by the Romans at the beginning of the first millennium. Recent research suggests even older foundations beneath the Roman structure, probably dating back to the 6th century BCE, built by the Iberians who inhabited the lands around present-day Alicante before the Carthaginian colonization.
• The Benacantil hill, on which the castle stands, has an elevation of 166 meters above sea level.
• The ruins of the fortress in Alicante are the highest point in the city. The next highest point is the Tryp Gran Sol skyscraper, a famous four-star hotel in Alicante.
• The ruins on the hill are visible from every part of Alicante and serve as a landmark, guiding visitors through the city.
• The castle at the very top was built by the Moors in the 9th century.
• The Moors also gave the hill its name. The name Benacantil comes from the Arabic word Banu-IQatil, which literally means earlobe. Allegedly, the rock, when viewed from a certain perspective, resembles an ear. However, the residents of Alicante see more in the hill; they call it La Cara de Moro, which translates to the Face of the Moor.
• Other interesting cities near Alicante:

Polish version