Denia Castle: History and magnificent views

Denia is a beautiful port town on the Spanish side of the Mediterranean Sea known to offer stunning views of the sea.  And one of the most popular spots to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding is from the top of the Denia castle. The hilltop castle is an important landmark in the history of the town and also a defining feature of its skyline. The castle houses a museum, a tower and a lot of places where people love to take a stroll and enjoy the views.

History

The Denia castle offers one of the best ways to learn and understand the history of Denia. The town on the Costa Blanca has a long history of human habitation which goes back to the Iberian period. In this long duration, the town has witnessed a number of conquests. Different kinds of civilizations have settled in the old town and influenced its culture as we know it now. The castle was originally built by the Muslim Arabs who ruled Denia from the 8th century to the 13th century. It was built as a massive fortress to guard against potential invaders. The Arab influence can be found in the cuisine and various other structures in the town. In fact, the name ‘Denia’ comes from ‘Daniyah’ which means ´lowland´ in Arabic. However, the castle was left to crumble after the Arab occupation in Spain and saw its heydays again in the 19th century when it was rebuilt by the French. Today the castle is a major tourist hotspot which attracts people for its historical importance and architecture.

Highlights

The first thing that will catch your attention as you make your way to the castle is the horseshoe arch at the entrance. This is a part of the original structure built by the moors.

In the 19th century, the terraces of the castle were used for growing grapes for raisins and it remained one of the main exports of the town for more than a hundred years. Some of the traces can still be found here.

A short but steep climb takes one to the top of the castle. On your left side, you can see the pretty street of white washed buildings. As you move closer to the top of the castle, you will be welcomed by magnificent views of the city, the port, the beaches and coves and the Montgo Natural Park.

The Governor’s Palace at the top of the castle has now been transformed into an Archaeological Museum. The museum houses artifacts which show the evolution of the town from its Iberian origins until the 18th century.

The castle also includes a tower known as Tower of Council which was built during the Christian period and was used as a place to organize important meetings of the council members.

The castle wall encloses a vast area which is used for a picnic and makes it a good attraction to visit with family and friends.

Useful information

How to Reach
The castle is located in the town itself, only a short distance from the Town hall and can be reached on foot through a narrow street.

Opening Hours
The castle is open every day except major festivals from 10.00 to 13.00 and then from 15.00 to 18.00. However, in August and September, the castle is open for a little longer. There are also some special nights when the castle is open till 12:30 am. Find out more about the timings here before planning the visit.

Entrance Fees
€ 3 per person

Accommodation

There are wonderful accommodation facilities near the castle at great prices. Book a holiday home in Denia and enjoy a peaceful retreat overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.