Santa Barbara castle is located on mount Benacantil, right in the centre of Alicante and is visible from almost any point of the city and the coast. On mount Benacantil, archaeologists have found artifacts indicating human activity here in the Bronze age, Iberian culture, Roman Empire. The castle of Saint Barbara, represents a massive fortress was laid here in the period of the Arab conquests in the late 9th century. Its name to the castle due to the fact that it was conquered from the Muslims by the Infante Alfonso of Castile on memorial day of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1248.

Throughout its history, the castle has undergone significant changes. 50 years after its conquest by the Spaniards, under king James II, it was rebuilt a little. When king Pedro IV, almost a century later, there were added an additional wall, and on the orders of king Charles I in the early 16th century fortress built fortifications. Also in the 16th century were built the main bathroom and a utility room that remained intact to the present day.

The fortress was greatly affected by the many wars that have affected Spain. Since 1963, the fortress is open for free visits.

Three-tier castle of Saint Barbara stands before us in all its glory. On the first level there is a monument to the famous warlord of Alicante and to the Viceroy of New Mexico Felix Berenguer de Markin. On the second and third levels are the most remarkable buildings such as the hall of Philippe II, the Watchdog body, the English Bastion, Hall of Fame, and a dilapidated old chapel of Saint Barbara. In the castle you can see a collection of sculptures, mostly represented by busts of prominent personalities of Spain. From the top of the castle offers amazing views of Alicante and the Mediterranean coast.