Santa Bárbara Castle

Description

Located in the centre of Alicante, perched on the top of Mount Benacantil is one of Spain’s biggest mediaeval fortresses, the Castle of Santa Barbara. Built around the 9th century during the time of Muslim rule of the Iberian Peninsula, the Santa Barbara Castle is a nationally and internationally known landmark and is the main symbol of Alicante. Opened to the public in 1963, the Castle of Santa Barbara offers visitors a panoramic view of the city of Alicante and the coast. Visitors will come across dungeons, cannons, a palace, a lookout tower, a moat and even the ruins of a small church while here. Situated inside the Castle of Santa Barbara is the Museum of the City of Alicante. Here visitors will be met with exhibits explaining the history of the city as well as displays of sculptures, archaeological materials from different historical periods, busts of famous Spanish people and more. Those interested can also take special guided tours that give access to otherwise restricted areas.

Ticket Price

Castle: Free Guided tours: 3.00 € Exhibition: 4,00 €

Opening Hour

24 September to 20 March - daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 21 March to 23 September - 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Recommended Visit Duration

Around an hour or more

Suitable For

Adults, senior visitors, young adults, families, children

Must See

The scenic views, the dungeons and the displays at the museum 

Prayer Facilities

There are no known prayer facilities at the Castle of Santa Barbara. There are however a couple of prominent mosques and Islamic centers in the city of Alicante. The Centro Islamico de Calpe and the Alicante Mosque are two of them. Those visiting the Castle of Santa Barbara and in need of prayer facilities can either ask for directions to the nearest mosque or they could find a quiet, clean place outdoors to offer their prayers. 

Halal Food

While there are no food outlets at the Castle of Santa Barbara, Muslim tourists will be able to locate several Halal restaurants in the city of Alicante, due to its sizeable Muslim population. Muslim visitors to the castle are therefore advised to ask the locals to guide them to the best Halal restaurant nearby.