The City of Alicante

Introduction to Alicante

Alicante is a major city on the Costa Blanca, nestled between mountains. Three thousand years ago the first inhabitants began to settle on the slopes of the Benacantil mountain. They occupied the castle of Santa Barbara, considered to be a safe haven because of its altitude and proximity to the sea. With the arrival of the Muslims, Alicante began to connect the present city to the shelter of the castle. In 1308 Jaime 11 officially included Alicante within the Kingdom of Valencia and in 1490 Fernando the Catholic granted it the title of City. One hundred years later the natural harbour was the third most important mercantile harbour of Spain. In the centuries that followed foreign invaders always managed to reach the city from the sea. In the 18th century Alicante began a process of recovery after the disasters of the previous wars. But it was not until the 19th century that Alicante was able to fully recover its poise as a city and move forward. Nowadays Alicante City is the capital of the province of Alicante, and has established itself as a major tourist and comMurcial hub. The harbour remains significant today and along it runs a long boulevard ideal for late afternoon walks. In additional, Alicante has plenty of beautiful beaches as well as a wealth of interesting monuments and museums.