.jpg)
Castillo de Santa Bárbara on Mount Benacantil
Commanding the skyline over the Spanish port city of Alicante, the ancient Santa Bárbara Castle is well worth exploring.
It is no wonder that northern Europeans flock to the south coast of Spain in droves!
Cheap, delicious food; blue skies and a wonderful temperate Mediterranean climate; and history and culture around every corner: my husband and I became as infatuated with Spain’s Costa Blanca (White Coast) as any other tourists.
Our visit in mid-May last year was before the height of the European tourist season, so the region was much less crowded than it would be later in the summer. We were staying at the Valencian seaside resort town of Albir (see: Walking to El Faro). We had booked ourselves onto a boat trip down the picturesque coast from the waterfront city of Benidorm to the tiny islet of Tabarca (see: Mediterranean Blues and History). On the return trip north, the boat pulled into the port city Alicante, and we had a couple of hours to explore. After a quick look through the “Things to Do”, we decided on the half-hour walk to the elevator that would take us up to the 9th-century Muslim castle that sits high on a hill, dominating the city.
One of the things I love most about Europe is the layers of history embedded in every nook and cranny. The original Moorish castle in what we now call Alicante, was built high on a mountain covered in artefacts dating to the Bronze, Iberian, and Roman ages. The fortress was captured by Alfonso XI of Castile on December 4 – the feast day of Santa Barbara, for whom it was renamed – in 1248. James II of Aragon – who was also King of Valencia – took the castle in 1296, and ordered it to be rebuilt. Reconstruction continued over the next four centuries, before it was taken by the French in 1691, and later, the English …
The many-layered castle ruins have been open to the public since 1963. Come and explore!
.jpg)
Benidorm
As we pull out of dock, we get a different view of the popular Mediterranean holiday city of Benidorm. Known for its bars and nightlife, what struck me, though – aside from the high-rise buildings and the mountainous backdrop – was the number of tandem mobility scooters on the water-front promenades! We are definitely part of an ageing population.
.jpg)
Costa Blanca
The whole coastline is dotted with resort accommodation.
Passengers on the Deck
Northern tourists take advantage of the sunny weather.
Alicante from the Water
The Port of Alicante is bustling with pleasure boats in the mid-afternoon sun when we draw close. That castle – nestled into the massive rocky outcrop in the middle of the city – is where we are headed.
Paseo de Gomiz – Alicante Promenade
The rippled tiles on the promenade along the waterfront made my eyes swim; fortunately, there were plenty of market stalls and coffee shops to take my mind off it.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
My summer sandals were doing my feet no favours, so I was more than happy to pay the small fee for the elevator ride up inside the mountain to the fortress itself.
Macho del Castillo
Originally built in the 9th century during the era of Muslim control of the Iberian Peninsula (711-1296), the castle was reconstructed during the reign of James II of Aragon in the late 13th century. It is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses.
Turret over Alicante
The castle sits at a height of 166 metres (545 feet) above sea level, …
Alicante from the Fortress
… allowing for expansive views over the city …
Waters off Alicante
… and the blue Mediterranean.
Arches Upward
The castle climbs up and around the rocky bluff.
More Arches
Baluarte de Santa Ana
Alicante and the coastal mountains are in the gun sights of the Bastion of Santa Ana.
Ayuntamiento de Santa Bárbara de Casa
The site was used as a prison in the 18th century and then fell into disuse until it was opened to the public in 1963. It is managed by the local council, and entry is free.
Flag Flying
View over the Castle and the Mediterranean
Down through the Arches
I love the rough-textured walls, and the delicate plants that cling to them.
Metal Soldier
Medieval soldiers are scattered around the fortress. The castle houses exhibits and museums – and even hosts concerts under the stars.
King of the Castle
Ruinas de la Ermita de Santa Bárbara
The ruins of the Hermitage of Santa Bárbara are quite lovely – and house several ancient statues.
Corridor Out of Mount Benacantil
After our visit around the castle, we took the elevator back down the mountain and walked through the corridor and back into the bright lights of the city. There we treated ourselves to huge ice creams before heading back to our boat.
Costa Blanca Coastline
At six o’clock in the evening, the skies are still light as we cruise north along the Costa Blanca.
Benidorm Coastline
The day is long when we approach our dock – but that is ok, as the Spanish typically dine late.
We stopped in Benidorm for dinner before returning to our accommodation – replete after a fascinating day of water views, history and fabulous food.
Until next time,
Happy Travels!
Photos: 18May2017
It was a lovely holiday and would return anytime