The Castles of Vinalopó - Part 1

Alicante - Valencia 

El Cid Campeador, one of the biggest Medieval Spanish icons.

Castles of Alicante are nowadays a cultural route of high tourist interest, it’s a witness of old times when christians and muslims fought to control Spain. On this route we’ll see Christian castles, Muslim Castles and Muslim Castles which were later used by the Christians. This was the era of epic and heroic deeds of the medieval Spain, the time of El Cid Campeador and the Reconquista war.

Castillo de Bañeres

An Almohad fortress built in the 13th century. Castle of irregular shape, with two campuses and a central tower 17 meters high, square plan and three heights. It has a well abn a chapel.

Nowadays, it houses the Museum Festero Bañeres.

Doble muralla de Biar

This castle is one of the oldest buildings of its kind, Muslim West class, and during the XIII century served as a border post between the Christian and Muslim territories in that part of the peninsula. It was constructed earlier, thought the date is not clear. For example, it is know that its keep of 17 meters was built in the 12th century.

Castillo de Castalla

This settlement is very, very old. It was first built in Neolithic times, with subsequent construction of the Iberians and later the Romans. On these, the Muslims built this castle in the XI century and later it was reformed by Christians in the 14th century. Only for its antiquity, this living jewel of history is worthy of special mention.

Atalaya de Villena

Date uncertain, but it’s documented in some Arabic texts that date back to 1172 and is possible that it was built on an ancient Roman villa. A stronghold important for the Arabs in Spain. Christians couldn't  take it until 1240 after three sieges. Since then it housed the Knights of the Order of Calatrava and then after some time went into possession the Infants of Castile.

Castillo de Piedra de Sax

This castle stand more than 500 meters over a cliff on which the town of Sax sits. This is another ancient site: its first construction dates back to Iberian and Roman times, although the present castle is of Almohad construction. It was conquered in 1239 by the Knights of the Order of Calatrava, and since it has been in possession of the Crown of Castile.

Some nice places in the zone that you can stay in:


http://www.escapadarural.com/casa-rural/alicante/balcon-de-biar

http://www.escapadarural.com/casa-rural/alicante/los-dos-tilos

http://www.escapadarural.com/casa-rural/alicante/la-facana



A second part covering the rest of the route is coming soon!