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:
10.30h: tour in English.
11.30h: tour in Spanish.
20.00h: tour in English.
21.00: tour in Spanish.
WEEKENDS:
10.30h: tour in English.
11.30h: tour in Spanish.
20.00h: tour in English.
21.00: 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
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 21:00 H
LIMITED SPACES
Maximum 15 visitors per tour.
*Book at least one hour in advance from the visitors centre, next to the shop.
