Monumental and domineering over an extensive, open horizon. Those words describe a great majority of the castles that mark the Vinalopó Valley and which make up one of the most outstanding fragments of history – a fragment written by James I of Aragon and Alfonso of Castile when they entered into the Treaty of Almizra in 1244.
This was a treaty which turned these lands –famous today for their wines and grapes– into a constant, bustling scene for armies and Ghazis (warriors), colonists and converts, and proponents of conquests and sieges. This is a border zone that was home to a vast number of peoples and cultures and is much worth discovering and tasting.
Throughout the centuries, great players such as Juan Fernández Pacheco (the first Marquess of Villena) and Marshal of Castile became the protagonists of heroic deeds and honors here. Today, standing as reminders of these noble feats, are the imposing La Atalaya of Villena, the protected Meseta Path, and the Sax, Castalla, Biar, and Novelda paths. We mustn’t forget Elche’s majestic Alcázar de la Señoría, also known as the Palace of Altamira, which currently houses the Museum of History for the city.

Santa Pola: Castillo-Fortaleza, Torre Escaletes, Torre Tamarit, Torre Atalayola.

Elche: El Alcázar de la Señoría, Las Murallas de la ciudad de Elche, Torre de la Calahorra, Torre de Ressemblanc, Torre de Los Vaillo, Torre del Pinet, El Castellar de Elche o Castellar de La Morera.

Aspe: Castillo del Río, Castillo de Aljau.

Novelda: Castillo de la Mola.

Monóvar: Castillo de Monóvar.

Elda: Castillo de Elda.

Petrer: Castillo de Petrer.

Sax: Castillo de Sax.

Villena: Castillo de la Altalaya, Castillo de Salvatierra.

Biar: Castillo de Biar.

Camp de Mirra: Castillo de Almizrra.

Beneixama: Torre Alatalaya de Beneixama

Banyeres de Mariola: Castillo de Banyeres de Mariola, Torre de la Font Bona.

Castalla: Castillo de Castalla.

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