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Castle · Alicante, Comunidade Valenciana
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Fortress atop Monte Benacantil, 166 meters above the sea, with walls from different periods, viewpoints over the city, the port and the coast, and an elevator that starts by the beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The Castillo de Santa Bárbara occupies the top of Monte Benacantil, a rock rising 166 meters right by the sea in the center of Alicante. There was occupation there since the Bronze Age, but the castle began as a Muslim fortress in the 9th century. The Christian conquest came on Saint Barbara's Day in 1248, which gave the place its name.
What you see is the result of several renovations: the highest part, the Torreta, has medieval remains; the middle tier dates from the 16th century, with the Governor's Palace, the Hall of Philip II and the Patio de Armas; the lowest level is from the 18th century. The castle was bombarded by a French squadron in 1691 and served as a prison until the 20th century.
From the viewpoints you can see the Explanada, the port, the beach of Postiguet, the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the sierra and, on clear days, the island of Tabarca. Inside there is a small museum with the city's history and temporary exhibitions.
On the slope facing the sea, the rock forms the profile of a face, the Cara del Moro, which can be seen from the beach.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun doesn't beat down on the walls. The sunset at the viewpoints usually attracts people; check the closing time.
How to get there
The elevator departs from a tunnel on Calle Juan Bautista Lafora, opposite the beach of Postiguet, and ascends 142 meters inside the rock. On foot, the path through Parque de la Ereta begins in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. There's also a road on the north side.
Tip
Go up by elevator and come down on foot through Parque de la Ereta, which ends in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Bring water and a hat: there's little shade at the top. From the beach, look for the profile of the Cara del Moro in the rock.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Do you need to pay to enter the castle?
Entrance to the castle is usually free; the elevator has a fee. Check conditions before you go.
Where is the castle elevator located?
In a tunnel on Calle Juan Bautista Lafora, opposite Postiguet Beach. It goes up through Monte Benacantil.
What is the Cara del Moro?
It is the profile of a face that erosion carved into the rock of Monte Benacantil, visible from Postiguet Beach and the Explanada.