Castles with a lot of history
This is one of the most important historical monuments in the province of Alicante, since a large part of the towns grew around forts and castles which controlled and protected strategic roads during times of war.
The province is home to over 100 castles and fortes. Three of the most important are in the Vinalopó area (Villena, Sax, Elda, Novelda, Petrer Banyeres, Castalla, Onil, Biar). The Castle of Villena, also known as the Castle of Atalaya, was built on Mt. San Cristóbal by the Moors in the 12th century.
Jaime I took the castle during the Reconquista in 1240 and gave it to the Alfonso X, King of Castile. Three years later, the Almizra Treaty took place, and once again it became part of the Kingdom on Aragon, creating the Villena nobility. Although it did pass back into the hands of the Castilians, it became a permanent part of Alicante in 1836. It was bombed during the war, and was restored during the 20th century. In 1931, it was recognized as a National Monument.
