Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Spain, Spain

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Castillo de Santa Bárbara is a massive medieval fortress crowning Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain, offering commanding views over the entire bay and city.

Dating back to the 9th century under Muslim rule as a strategic citadel called Banu-lQatil, it was captured by Alfonso X of Castile on Saint Barbara's feast day in 1248—earning its name—and later rebuilt by Aragonese kings like James II, Peter IV, Charles I, and Philip II into one of Spain's largest castles spanning about 400,000 square meters across three levels.

Divided into La Torreta with its ancient keep and English Bastion, a central military zone featuring the Noble Hall, Governor's House, and Queen's Bastion, plus a highest citadel esplanade, it served as prison and defense site before becoming a free public monument and cultural venue with panoramic vistas.