In the centre of Alicante, not far from the more famous Santa Barbara Castle, is the San Fernando Castle, another fine example of restored military architecture.
Located in the area of Monte Tossal and the hill of San Francisco, the castle is often snubbed by tourists and Alicantines themselves, yet it is an integral part of the city’s historical heritage.
It is certainly less fascinating than the Santa Barbara Castle, but if you have time, it is worth taking a look and enjoying a walk in the nearby Mount Tossal park.
You will be able to take a few good photographs and, above all, enjoy some fresh air!
The San Fernando Castle was built in the 19th century during the War of Independence in order to reinforce the city’s defensive system.
Its irregular layout was designed to adapt the construction to the conformation of the land (remember that it rests on a hill). It consists of a polygonal-shaped main bastion on the northern side and a round one on the far southwest, connected by a network of walkways.
Originally, there were also small and medium-sized bastions located at the weakest points of the fortress, and only here was a defensive moat built. Inside were the troops’ quarters.
The main entrance gate to the fortress is marked by two tall columns topped by two statues of lions: these were probably added later.
The San Fernando Castle is perhaps Alicante’s most out-of-the-way attraction compared to the centre and the seafront. Nothing earth-shattering, but still allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the sea, unless you want to use buses.
For this reason, there are not many places to sleep near the castle: there are a few flats a few blocks up the hill, which are by far the best solution. Alternatively, you can choose any of the accommodations in the Mercat district, where between hotels (few) and flats (many) you will undoubtedly have a more complete picture of Alicante and what it has to offer.
From the Explanada de Espana it takes less than 10 minutes by car to reach the San Fernando Castle: proceed along Rambla de Mendez Nunez until the Mercat tram stop, then turn left along Avenida Alfonso El Sabio and right along Calle Belando, which after a couple of blocks becomes Calle Maestro Barbieri. Follow it all the way to the base of the castle hill, and following the street you will arrive at the car park.
The castle can also be easily reached by bus number 39, leaving from Rambla de Mendez Nunes almost at the junction with Esplanada de Espana: the journey takes only 8 minutes, and you will get off at the Conservatorio stop, a stone’s throw from the castle entrance.
Next to the San Fernando Castle is the Monte Tossal Park, built in terraces on the side of the hill: it is defined by the municipal administration of Alicante as ‘thematic’ because it combines real geography with human intervention to create a place for entertainment and education about the area.
Numerous services and activities are available within the park. Some of these are managed by the municipality of Alicante, such as:
In the park you will also find a cafeteria, public toilets, a skating and scooter track, a sports climbing wall and a recreational area for children.
The San Fernando Castle is located north of the city centre, at the northern end of the Mercado district, where the Tossal hill on which it was built rises.
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