Santa Barbara Castle: the Fortress of Alicante

Santa Barbara Castle is a 7000 year old fortress lying high on top of Benacantil Hill in Alicante, boasting the reputation of being the largest medieval stronghold in Europe. The fortress’s astonishing architecture and jaw-dropping design exhibit the multiple reigns the city has under-went under civilizations of various origins. The city was first ruled by the Iberians, which led to Spain being recognized as the Iberian Peninsula, followed by the Romans and the invading Moors. The Moors are credited for being the imaginative builders of the Santa Barbara Castle.

However during the mid-thirteenth century, the Moors were expelled from Alicante and the castle was selected as a part of the Kingdom of Valencia. During the centuries that followed, the castle undertook some serious damages as a result of various wars. One such occurrence was the War of Succession when the English and the French attacked the city of Alicante for a whole week. The damages made to the castle during these wars are still visible today.

However, these deterioration have not been able to wipe out the sheer beauty of the Santa Barbara Castle. Its turrets, walls, stone passages, drawbridges, dungeons and hidden tunnels still model that fairy tale essence, drawing in visitors for cheap flights to Alicante from all areas of the continent. The famous Santa Barbara balcony and terraces provide breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, overseeing the entire surrounding landscape.

The castle stands on three steps of enclosures which represent different styles of architectures of the civilizations that took control of the city. The upper enclosure is the one that holds the main castle, including its turrets, walls and the King’s Bastion. The middle enclosure encompasses the Bourbon Era and holds important rooms such as the Queen’s Bastion, the Room of Phillip II, the Troops Wings and the Hall of Nobles. These rooms also preserve a series of flags representing the official coat of arms, as well as real-life model displays of knights in their armour.

A model of the castle and its defences is also present. The third enclosure holds the castle dungeons and is now also used as a car park for tourists. Certain features of military might are still preserved at the facility, such as a couple of cannons as well as a metallic sculpture, complete with armour, of an archer poised to strike at one of the entrances.

A tour of the castle is strongly advised. Entrance is free and tour guides are also available for directions and information. The terrace provides a jaw dropping view of the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular spot for taking pictures. A small café has also been set up at the top, offering delicious meals at very reasonable prices, along with a gift shop which offers souvenirs from the Roman and Iberian eras.