Santa Bárbara castle

One of the most popular place in Alicante is Santa Bárbara castle on the Mount Benacantil. It is a fortification from 9th century and significant place for Muslims and Castilians. At the beginning the Arabic name was Banu-IQatil  which comes from word pinna (peak) and laqanti. 

  Castilia conquered it in 1248 and changes name for Santa Barbara (day when castle was conquered by Alfonso of Castile). From XVIII century there was a prison and from 1963 tourists can visit castle and admire Alicante from the pick of the mountain.




   Nowadays you can get there by lift (from the Postiguet) or by walk. There is a wonderful park (Parque de la Ereta) with olive trees.