Castle of Santa Bárbara
Perched atop Benacantil Mountain, at 166 metres, stands one of Spain's largest medieval fortresses, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. It offers a magnificent view of the entire bay. It has three different parts from three different periods.
The upper part of La Torreta is where visitors will find the oldest remains of the fortress, which date from the 11th to 13th centuries.
The centre of the fortress dates from the 16th century and contains the most important buildings. These include:
- o the Salon of Felipe II.
- o Cuerpo de Guardia
- o the Chapel of Santa Bárbara
- o the guardhouse of the Baluarte de la Reina Bastion
The history of the lowest floor dates back to the eighteenth century. There is the Revellín del Bon Repós, which is currently used as a car park, and there is also a monument to Felix Berenguer de Marquin.
Accessibility:
The castle can be accessed by car in about five minutes from the centre or on foot, which can take up to an hour. From the foot of the mountain to the top you can take the lift, which is free for the elderly and disabled, and for all others for a small fee.
Opening hours:
Santa Bárbara Castle
Winter (from 1 October to 31 March): from 10:00 to 20:00 daily.
April, May, June and September: from 10:00 to 22:00 daily.
July and August: from 10:00 to 22:00 daily, opening hours may vary during cultural events.
- o Entrance to the castle: free of charge
- Lift opening hours:
- o Last lift up: 19:20 hours
- o Last lift down: 19:40 hours
- o The lifts are located opposite Postiguet beach, on Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.
Price of elevators:
- o 2,70 EUR
- o Free for pensioners
