Dominating the skyline of Alicante, Castillo de Santa Bárbara is not only one of the most recognizable symbols of the city, but above all a fascinating journey through time. This monumental fortress, built in the year 1000 on top of the Benacantil mountain, is one of the best-preserved medieval defense complexes in all of Spain. Its strategic location at 166 meters above sea level once provided an unparalleled military advantage - a 360-degree view allowed guards to see a threat from any direction, from both sea and land.

The history of the castle is as fascinating as its architecture. The fortress takes its name from the feast of St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, which was celebrated on December 4 - the exact day that Castilian Prince Alfonso X the Wise recaptured the castle from the Moors in 1248. However, the fortress' origins go much deeper - archaeological finds confirm the presence of settlements on Benacantil Hill as early as the Bronze Age, and later Carthaginian and Roman fortifications.

What makes Castillo de Santa Bárbara unique is its three-tiered structure, reflecting different historical eras. The highest part, La Torreta, dates from the 14th century and offers the most spectacular views. The middle level, Albacar, contains the most impressive architectural elements, including the Hall of Philip II from the 16th century. The lowest level, built in the 18th century, is the gateway to the entire complex.

While visiting, look out for the distinctive profile of Benacantil Mountain as seen from Postiguet beach. Locals call it 'La Cara del Moro' (The Face of the Moor) - in the contours of the rock you can see the profile of a human face, which, according to local legend, is the face of a Moorish chieftain who threw himself from the summit into the sea out of despair after losing his beloved daughter.

There are several ways to reach the castle - the most scenic route takes you on foot through the old town and La Ereta Park, offering breathtaking views along the way. For less skilled tourists, a modern elevator is available, taking off from Avenida de Jovellanos, transporting you to the top of the hill in a matter of seconds. It's worth planning a visit for late afternoon to experience the magical sunset over the Mediterranean from the perspective of the medieval walls.

Descending from the majestic castle hill toward the old town, one enters a maze of narrow streets where fascinating discoveries await at every turn. One of Alicante's most remarkable treasures is the Basilica of Santa María, whose façade conceals a true testament to the city's turbulent history. The real cannonballs embedded in its walls are not a decorative element, but authentic remnants of a French siege. These silent witnesses to the past constitute a unique architectural element that is in vain to be found in other European temples.

Walking through the old town, it is worth noting an unusual urban detail - the 'Caras de Agua', or faces carved into the drainpipes. These playful, often grotesque faces give the barrio a special character, while exemplifying the folk humor of Alicante's residents centuries ago. Each face is different, and local guides are eager to tell anecdotes related to their origins and significance.

Nearby, in the heart of the city, is the La Aguadora fountain, created in 1918 by Vicente Bañuls. It is not only a beautiful piece of urban architecture, but also a testament to local history. The tranquil woman pouring water from her jug is the seventeen-year-old Susana Llaneras Rico, immortalized in stone, whose face is forever part of Alicante's landscape. The story of the young model who posed for this sculpture is one of those fascinating strands of local history that rarely make it into official guidebooks.

But the real surprise for art lovers is a little-known sculpture by Salvador Dalí located in the city hall. This intimate work by the famous surrealist contains the artist's actual thumbprints, making it extremely personal and unique. Although Alicante is not commonly associated with Dalí's work, this little treasure is proof of the city's artistic connection to one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

A fascinating testament to the engineering genius of Alicante's early inhabitants are the Pozos de Garrigós, medieval wells that for centuries formed a key part of the city's water management system. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these ancient structures provide a glimpse into the city's history and an understanding of how periods of drought were dealt with on this dry Mediterranean coast. These wells are evidence of the advanced hydraulic skills of the ancient inhabitants and their ability to adapt to harsh climatic conditions.

For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist beaches, Alicante offers hidden gems of the coast - secret beaches like Playa de la Albufereta and Cala Cantalars. These intimate coves offer a tranquil alternative to crowded urban bathing areas and allow you to experience the true, non-touristy face of the Costa Blanca.

Few people know that the Alicante region boasts the title of the world's first Appellation of Origin (Denominación de Origen) for wines. It was here, in 1510, that King Ferdinand I of Aragon established the first-ever regulations governing the production and export of wines. This fascinating fact makes the Alicante region a true cradle of modern winemaking, centuries ahead of Europe's better-known wine regions.

The history of winemaking in Alicante, however, goes back much further - as far as 3,000 years ago, when the first settlers began cultivating vines on these fertile, sunny hillsides. Over the millennia, local winemakers honed their skills, creating unique traditions and production methods that have survived to this day. Of particular interest is the fact that Alicante's entire wine industry consists of just 45 wineries, all of which are small, family-owned businesses. This intimate scale of production preserves the authenticity and exceptional quality of local wines.

The Alicante region is primarily famous for its indigenous grape varieties, such as Monastrell and Muscat. The former yields full-bodied, intense red wines with deep color and a rich bouquet, while Muscat is the basis for aromatic white and sweet dessert wines. Local winemakers proudly cultivate these traditional varieties while experimenting with modern vinification techniques, resulting in fascinating results - from light, fruity rosé wines to powerful reds aged in oak barrels.

For true wine lovers, a visit to Alicante is a unique opportunity to discover flavors that are hard to find outside the region. Most of the wineries here are small, family-owned estates where the winemaking process has remained unchanged for generations. A visit to such a winery is not only a tasting of exceptional liquors, but also a lesson in the history and traditions of the region, often passed down from the owners themselves.

While exploring the wine face of Alicante, it is worth noting the local festivals and festivals related to wine. Of particular interest are the grape harvest celebrations, when locals celebrate the end of the harvest with traditional dances, music and, of course - tasting young wine. These authentic events, often overlooked by mass tourism, provide an excellent opportunity to experience the true culture of the region.

It is also worth remembering that Alicante's wine traditions are inextricably linked to local gastronomy. Regional specialties such as arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock), fideuà (similar to paella, but prepared with pasta instead of rice) or the famous turrones (nougat made from almonds and honey) provide the perfect accompaniment to local wines, creating harmonious combinations of flavors that best capture the essence of this fascinating region.

Exploring Alicante's wine heritage is a journey through thousands of years of history, traditions and culture that allows you to see this popular tourist city in a whole new light - as the cradle of world winemaking and guardian of unique traditions that have stood the test of time.