The Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante is the town’s landmark. It is located 116m high on the Monte Benacantil. This very well-preserved medieval fortress is worth a visit. It dates back to the late 9th century, though also Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman artifacts have been found on the mountain.
The Castilian forces took the castle away from the Moors on Santa Barbara day in 1248. Henceforth, the castle was named Santa Bárbara Castle. Since the Aragonese captured it in 1296, a lot of reconstructions were done during the next centuries.
However, it had to withstand barrage in 1691 by a French squadron, during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), and even by a frigate after the Glorious Revolution in 1873.
There are 3 different levels: The top level, La Torreta, with remains from the 14th century and a spectacular view of the bay of Alicante. The mid-level with buildings from the 16th century, and the lowest level dating back to the 18th century with the dungeon.