Atalaya Castle, in Villena
in the heart of the Alicante province , between vineyards that extend on both sides of the Vinalopó river basin, rise dozens of fortresses in which the muffled echo of past battles can still be heard. Legends and secrets locked up in stone towers that continue to guard, like tireless watchmen, the lands in which they sink their roots.
The province of Alicante is used to receiving tourists from all corners of Spain and Europe. She knows she is attractive and feels sure of herself, showing the world her main attributes without any shame.
Castle of Castalla
Alicante reveals its beaches and coves of golden sand, bathed by calm and clean waters. It also dazzles with its more than 300 days of sunshine a year, while its sea breeze carries the smell of salt, mixed with the aroma of its tasty rice dishes and top quality products that grow in their gardens.
This is how it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who arrive each year looking for relaxation and quality of life. However, also those who travel in search of the architectural and historical heritage of Spain will find a reason to visit Alicante, because in the Vinalopó Valley some stone giants tell stories that occurred centuries ago, when the world was younger, but human beings had already learned to kill each other to achieve their ambitions.
CASTLES OF ANOTHER TIME
The Route of the Vinalopó Castles It covers just over 100 kilometers, and extends through the Alicante counties of Villena, Bañeres, Sax, Elda, Petrel, Novelda, Monóvar, Castalla and Biar. If you stop to explore the main strengths of the route, it can be done perfectly in a couple of days.
This area of the province of Alicante is one of the areas in Spain - and Europe - more densely populated by medieval castles. There are two reasons for this: the important Arab presence in the times of Al-Andalus , and the subsequent existence, in the vicinity, of the border between the Christian crowns of Castile and Aragon.
The castle of Villena is the largest of all those on the route
The lords, both Arab and Christian, disputed over these fertile lands for centuries, in which even today a top quality grape is produced.
Perched on hills and ledges, the Vinalopó castles observe, melancholic and lonely, how the world has changed. Modern houses huddle together under their stone skirts and only remember who they were when they open their doors to visitors or are protagonists of the major festivals of the towns in which they live.
However, what they don't know is that they are still named in the books and songs of deeds. They are alive in the memory of humanity.
ATALAYA CASTLE, THE EMBLEM OF VILLENA
When you approach Villena by car, the first thing you see, crowning one of the foothills of the Mount of San Cristobal , is the castle of the Watchtower. Not in vain, the one from Villena is the largest of all the castles on the route.
Despite what many people believe, this was not the first fortress to be erected in Villena. That honor falls to Salvatierra Castle, built in the 10th century as a watchtower and of which only a few shattered ruins remain.
The castle of Villena looks impressive, although his original figure was much less massive and terrible. Originally, It was built by the Arabs in the 12th century, passing into Christian hands in the year 1240, when the Aragonese troops successfully besieged it. During the fifteenth century it would undergo major reforms that would make him the defensive hulk he is today.
Villena castle tower
It's advisable take the guided tour , because the guides are very prepared and will tell the traveler all the stories, anecdotes and 'jokes' of the castle.
They draw a lot of attention the two vaults with intersecting arches that are found on the lower floors of the homage tower. They are the legacy of the era of Arab domination and there are only two other similar examples in Spain, along with the Royal Chapel of Córdoba and the house of the Patio de Banderas of the Alcázar of Seville.
BAÑERES DE MARIOLA CASTLE, THE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
The road that leads to Bañeres winds its way through the beautiful forests that extend along the slopes of the Sierra of Mariola. The area is perfect for hiking between clear streams, fountains, old snowfields and paper mills They were active between the 18th and 20th centuries.
Once in the town, the main street begins to ascend, as if it were a spiral staircase, towards its 13th century fortress. It was the Almohads who raised it through the tapial technique, in which lime, sand, water and small stones are used.
Castle of Bañeres de Mariola
The castle of Bañeres, rise 830 meters above sea level, dominates extensive lands around it and is in great condition thanks to the restorations made with care during the last decades.
Inside, in addition to finding pieces of history, there is also a complete museum dedicated to the Moors and Christians Festival, so rooted in the mountainous interior of the province of Alicante.
CASTALLA CASTLE AND THE BEST MANCHEGO GAZPACHO IN THE PROVINCE OF ALICANTE
visit the impressive Castalla fortress It is usually the perfect excuse to satisfy the gastronomic curiosity of many travellers. And the fact is that this town in Alicante has made a name for itself among lovers of good food thanks to its tasty Manchego gazpachos. You can find the best ones in the restaurant Paqui House and the Viscayo Meson , two authentic veterans of the area.
Before or after trying these delicacies, you must visit the castle founded by the Arabs in the 11th century , on remains of Neolithic ruins and from the Iberian-Roman era. Expanded and reinforced by the Christians in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the castle dominates all the natural exits and entrances to the region.
When you look out on the battlements of his 'Torre Grossa' (Thick Tower) - added in the 16th century to monitor and counter the continual attacks by North African pirates – you feel like the breeze brings the smell of the Mediterranean sea. That same sea through which the civilizations that fought, with blood and fire, to dominate those lands arrived. Close your eyes and try to listen to the metallic sound of clashing swords. Fallen heroes and legends forged by human ambition.
The castle dominates all the natural exits and entrances to the region