Santa Barbara Castle

This impressive castle is situated on an outcrop over looking Alicante City and is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe covering the complete summit of the Benacantil Mountain. Originally built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle received its name from the conquest of King Alfonse the Wise that took place on 4th December 1248, Saint Barbara's day. Over the following centuries it was developed and extended leaving it with three main areas all dating from different eras.

Santa Barbara Castle has everything you would expect, cannons, a palace, dungeons, a moat, the ruins of a small church, the famous lookout tower and from all around the walls stunning views of the marina and city below.

The castle is free to visit and there are two entrance points. You can walk or drive along the road that winds around the back of the mountain or for a small charge use the elevator going up through a tunnel carved out of the rock. There are two café areas where you can take a break in the shade of pine trees.

Santa Barbara Castle is an excellent place to visit at anytime of the year.

Castle Evenings
In the summer months of July and August the Town Hall hosts a programme of special evenings usually consisting of concerts held on Friday and Saturday nights in the courtyard of Santa Barbara Castle.  Admission is free although it is limited by the maximum capacity of the venue and entertainment starts at 10.00 pm. Being out under the stars on a balmy evening, listening to music with the backdrop of a medieval castle is a truly enchanting experience.