Santa Barbara Castle
Posted on: October 12, 2015
- In: Books | History | Spain | Travel
- 52 Comments
Our day trip to Villajoyosa ended with a stop at Santa Barbara Castle, overlooking the city of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. The very capable bus driver took us to the top of Mount Benecantil, 166 meters above the city, on a narrow, windy road. This was a large bus and we all held our breath as he barely made it through the castle entrance, built for horse and buggies.
The narrow entrance to the castle
Once there we had an hour to wander the castle and discover the history of Alicante on display in the museums throughout the castle. Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iberian Age and Roman Times have been found on this site.
I enjoyed climbing around the many levels, checking out the dungeons, chapel, guardroom, bastions and turrets. I loved the wrought iron warriors and archers strategically placed around the castle.
The dungeons
The chapel ruins
Watch out for the archers!
Fascinating views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea
This was fun for me as I visited this site a number of years ago and set a scene in Amanda in Spain in this very castle
Kids posing with a warrior while dad takes a picture
Another person posing for the camera.
I can´t get enough of the rich history and fascinating castles around here.
52 Responses to "Santa Barbara Castle"
October 12, 2015 at 5:31 am
Not all Santa Barbaras are in California. You proved that with this post. Refreshing and educational. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving this weekend. There is a special card waiting for you on my Facebook page, Darlene.
October 12, 2015 at 5:50 am
Thank you so much for the special card. We are incredibly thankful for everything we have and most of all for the wonderful family and friends we are blessed with. Glad you enjoyed the post.
October 12, 2015 at 8:30 am
How interesting and what a view of the town and coast from the castle.
October 12, 2015 at 8:42 am
It is an incredible view. I guess it was good for seeing the enemy from land or sea in the old days!
October 12, 2015 at 8:40 am
What an amazing place Darlene – I don’t think I’d like to see one of those archers though… Great pictures!
October 12, 2015 at 8:43 am
They would be OK if they were on your side, protecting the castle. It was amazing!!
October 12, 2015 at 9:10 am
One hour? That’s all they gave you? I could get lost there for an entire day. Thanks for sharing.
October 12, 2015 at 5:52 pm
I know, an hour was not enough. The time I was there before I spent an afternoon there. I guess it was just to give you a taste.
October 12, 2015 at 3:53 pm
Looks like a fabulous spot to explore! I think the placement of the archers is most clever. Makes me smile to look at them. 🙂
October 12, 2015 at 5:53 pm
I thought they were very clever. They were not there when I visited a few years ago.
October 12, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Soak up all you can …history is fascinating . Love the archer . Did I actually see a cloud in that blue sky? 😄
Cherryx
October 12, 2015 at 5:55 pm
There were a few clouds but not enough to keep out the sun. It was about 33 degrees Celsius. I love history!
October 12, 2015 at 5:09 pm
That looks a most interesting place and the view from the top is wonderful. I like the creamy coloured stone, it looks so beautiful against the blue sky. Keep on bringing us these lovely sunny pictures. 🙂
October 12, 2015 at 5:56 pm
I hope to keep you warm all fall and winter. Off to Italy on a cruise and hoping for more sunny weather.
October 12, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Hooray! An Italian cruise? How lovely, I’m looking forward to your photos. 🙂
October 12, 2015 at 6:28 pm
I am excited as I have not been to Italy before. Also a stop in France and Malta!! There will be pictures.
October 12, 2015 at 5:45 pm
Darlene, you go to the nicest places! They are not just beautiful but also very interesting. I miss vacationing near the sea.
October 12, 2015 at 5:57 pm
I come from the prairies and can´t get enough of the sea. These places are so interesting. Glad you enjoy them!
October 13, 2015 at 7:54 am
I really enjoyed the photos Darlene – and a castle named after me – who knew! hehe
October 13, 2015 at 1:41 pm
Yikes. Heights. Still, it sounds adventurous and exciting to visit. The pictures are stunning. Thank you, Darlene. Keep them coming. 😀
October 13, 2015 at 5:43 pm
It was fun to go back in time, feeling very safe from invaders high up on the mountain! Glad you enjoyed the pictures Tess.
October 14, 2015 at 1:05 am
Yes, the pictures bring us there with you, looking over your shoulder. 😀 Yours were fantastic. ❤
October 14, 2015 at 12:08 am
Amazing! I would never want to go home 🙂
October 14, 2015 at 1:07 am
Fortunately, home isn´t very far away now. I do need to go back and explore some more. Life is good!!
October 28, 2015 at 3:49 am
Wow Darlene, that fortress wall going up the hillside reminds me of what we just saw in Kotor, Montenegro. And that beautiful turret has a twin in Malta. This is definitely going on my must-see list. 🙂 ~Terri
October 28, 2015 at 4:08 am
We just returned from Malt and saw its twin! You would love this castle. I would come and meet you and give you a guided tour should you come here!!
October 28, 2015 at 12:24 pm
This is a dream trip for me. Have always wanted to visit sites like this. Again, your photographs are gorgeous. Glad you had such a great time!
October 28, 2015 at 10:03 pm
You would just love it Patricia. I´m sure you will visit it or something like it one day!
[…] 5. Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante, Spain. By Darlene Foster @ DarleneFostersBlog […]
October 28, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Thanks for coming to visit me today Darlene, I’m enjoying keeping up with on Facebook. x
October 28, 2015 at 10:04 pm
There are so many ways to keep in touch, which is wonderful. Glad to be able to do so. All the best!
October 29, 2015 at 1:27 am
It’s an amazing looking place. I’m not sure about those soldiers, though. (Psst, don’t tell anyone, but I’m not sure they’re real.)
October 31, 2015 at 2:18 am
You helped me get ready for my Halloween costume as a witch because now I am green. Green with envy! I hope some time I can visit this Santa Barbara that is not in California. Fabulous photos.
October 31, 2015 at 2:19 am
Glad I could be of help!! Hope you make it to the first Santa Barbara someday.
October 31, 2015 at 8:00 am
I’m putting it on my wish list. Spain was never on it, to be honest, but you promote your life and adventures there beautifully, and your posts have changed my mind. xo
October 31, 2015 at 2:25 am
Hi Darlene, great place.. and I have linked you to My Sharona on my post this week.. https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2015/10/30/memories-are-made-of-this-1979-the-mawddach-estuary-and-monty-python/ hope you enjoy.. hugs
October 31, 2015 at 6:59 am
Lucky lucky you! Glad I could live a little through your post–thanks!
November 2, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop
Darlene Foster's Blog 
October 12, 2015 at 4:42 am
I’ve been there! Great place. Glad you enjoyed your visit to my birth town! ❤ 🙂
October 12, 2015 at 4:44 am
I thought of you. It is a great place!! ❤