The Castillo de Santa Bárbara offers an infinite range of possibilities for visitors. From a tour of its indoor exhibitions and walks with the best views of Alicante, to culinary experiences, concerts, dramatised tours and more.
If you want to visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, we recommend setting aside at least one or two hours in order to fully enjoy this magical place.
Enjoy a one-hour guided tour and get to know the history of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, thanks to our official guides.
Access to the Old Dungeons, Cistern and Hospital is only available by booking the official castle tour.
Located under the current Weapons Courtyard. In the mid 16th century, with two naves supported by ashlar arches and designed to collect rainwater, the Cistern features a projection that simulates the effect of water on the walls.
These dungeons once housed a great number of anonymous prisoners, about whom we will unfortunately never know anything, as well as some illustrious characters (including the Marquis of Valdeflores, the Count of Lumiares, the leaders of the separatists revolts on the island of Cuba, some liberal leaders, General Juan Prim and General Francisco Serrano Dominguez). Inside, visitors can also discover recreations of some of the torture machines used in our country throughout history.
A covered space with a huge capacity which can be used to organise dinners or cocktail receptions in a distinguished and elegant environment, bursting with history.
The middle enclosure is home to the wide Weapons Courtyard, behind which lie the ruins of the hermitage of Santa Bárbara, the Guards’ Barracks and the Queen’s Bastion. This is a spacious, multi-purpose outdoor area with a large capacity. Located at the doorway of the Felipe II Hall, here, visitors will find a place that simply oozes magic and history in equal measures.
As well as the incredible panoramic views offered by the enclosure, from the terrace of the cafe and restaurant you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat against the stunning backdrop offered by the sea and the castle’s Weapons Courtyard. What’s more, the castle’s surroundings offer one of the most characteristic images of the city, known as the Head of the Moor – a rocky profile located on the eastern slope of the mountain, visible from El Postiguet Beach.
On the castle’s highest esplanade, we find the “Macho del Castell”, which looks over Alicante from the tallest points. From here, you can enjoy 360° views of the bay and the city.
In 1918, the castle was used to house cholera patients, before being used as a shelter for beggars, becoming the property of the City from 1929 onwards. The fortress’ old hospital hosts the “Alicante transfused with Mediterranean” exhibition, which presents the link between Alicante and the Mediterranean, interspersed with archaeological and ethnological materials.
MONDAY TO FRIDAY:
11.00: tour in English.
13.00: tour in Spanish
15.30: tour in English.
17.30: tour in Spanish.
WEEKENDS:
11.00: tour in English.
12.00: tour in Spanish.
15.30: tour in English.
17.30: tour in Spanish.
LIMITED SPACES: Maximum 15 visitors per tour.
*Book at least one hour in advance at the visitor centre, next to the shop.
*Tours in Valencian available upon request.
Don’t miss out on our dramatised tours, in which our actors will immerse you in the history of the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
TIMETABLE
Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00.
LIMITED SPACES
Maximum 15 visitors per tour.
*Book at least one hour in advance from the visitors centre, next to the shop.
Bring your family along to enjoy the songs you grew up with… Songs from: Los Bravos, Nino Bravo, Los Secretos, Nacha Pop, Tequila, Alarma, Hombres G, Celtas Cortos, MClan, El Canto del Loco, Pereza, Fito and many more!!!
Concert as part of our “Pop Cycle” in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara calendar of events, with Mario López on the piano. Doors open at 20:00
Concert as part of our “Pop Cycle” in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara calendar of events. Danza Invisible is a Spanish new-wave group, considered one of the bands that made up the famous Movida Madrileña during the 1980s in Spain. Doors open at 20:00
Concert as part of our “Pop Cycle” in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara calendar of events. La Guardia is a rock band formed in the city of Granada in the first half of the 1980s. Doors open at 20:00
Concert as part of our “Pop Cycle” in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara calendar. Doors open at 20:00
Inma Serrano has more than 11 albums to her name, as well as several musical and TV productions, including serving as a judge on Operación Triunfo España for three years running. As well as participating as an artist, she was executive producer for TVE1 on the prime time “Música para mi madre” with Antonio Carmona, David Bisbal, Pastora Soler, Rosario and Sergio Dalma, among others.
Mailers is a pop-rock group from Alicante, formed in 2012 by a group of musicians brought together from other projects. A pop-rock style with melodies influenced by everything from the most iconic international pop rock, to the most modern world of indie. Doors open at 20:30. After the concert ends, enjoy live music from the DJ and drinks at the bar.
The first group to make ska and reggae music in Spanish, and a band that truly cannot be pigeon-holed. Not just rock, nor pop, nor progressive nor funky. They were all this at once, with one original ingredient: musical anarchy as their structuring element. And so Mediterráneo was born, making their first appearance under this name in Alicante in 1978.
Guaraná is a band born in Alicante at the end of the 90s, formed by Juanra Arnaiz (singer), David Navarro (guitar), Cuco Chelinni (percussion), Vicente Mirás (electric and bass guitar) and Francisco Cherro Prieto (drums). They are one of the most important pop bands of the 2000s, who saw their greatest hit with the song “En la casa de Inés”.
Las Ninyas del Corro are a duo formed by Laüra Bonsai (Barcelona, 24 years old) and Felinna Vallejo (Bon Pastor, 21 years old). Together, these two young Catalonian women, friends for years, have formed one of the most interesting musical projects on the Spanish rap scene.
A Spanish actress, singer and painter with English and Danish roots. She is known for her TV performances in roles such as Rose in Algo Que Celebrar, as Ulrike in Buscando el Norte, and Pilar in Movistar+’s Hierro.
This artist takes his inspiration from trap, folk, electronica and American singer-songwriters, and has worked on a variety of collaborations with Lionware, Babi, nosoynadiepati and Marc Seguí himself, all demonstrating the close relationship between Xavi as a person and Xavibo.
If you consider yourself a horror fan, you won’t want to miss this exhibition of dolls from all the best horror films that have been giving adults and children alike goosebumps for years. Annabelle, Chucky, Talky Tina, Billy and many more… Find them in the Taberna room at the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Are you brave enough?
Includes a guided tasting of six different types of chocolate, led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April.
Olive oils are a unique food. Learn to appreciate them and let yourself be transported to the heart of the Mediterranean – a world of sensations!
Includes a guided tasting of three different types of DO Alicante wines plus three tapas of local Alicante products, all led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April.
Includes a guided tasting of four different types of turrón, led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April.
Includes a guided tasting of four different types of beer, led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of snacks, such as olives and nuts.
Includes a guided tasting of three different types of DO Alicante wines plus four tapas of local Alicante products, all led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April.
Includes a guided tasting of two different types of sweet DO Alicante wines plus Alicante chocolate and turrón, all led by an expert. The tasting will be held in the Santa Catalina Tower experiences room. Languages: Spanish and English. This Easter, you can enjoy this tasting on Thursday 14, Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April. *Served with tasting of Alicante chocolates and turrón.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take on an escape room in a castle? At the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, we make it easy for you – plan the perfect day out with this game to enjoy with friends or family. Are you up to the challenge?
Mandarina Garden®️ at the Castillo de Santa Bárbara offers a series of creative, educational and very fun workshops at 11:30 and 12:30. The workshops on offer this Easter are: Thursday 14/4: Armour workshop, Friday 15/4: Create your own coat of arms, Saturday 16/4: Enchanted Castles, Sunday 17/4: Swords and Shields and Monday 18/4: Dungeons and Dragons.
Come and enjoy fireworks at the castle!! Don’t miss out on our firework displays from the most magical place in Alicante: the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
