About Alicante Castles – San Fernando Castle
Alicante San Fernando Castle
The Castillo de San Fernando is a smaller one of the two Alicante castles. It was built at the very beginning of the 19th century on Tossal hill. Its original purpose was defence against the French invasion led by Napoleon Bonaparte. However, it turned out that it was useless. Today, the castle is a sightseeing spot and a place of rest and leisure.
It is situated in the center of Alicante, close to the railway station RENFE and the Maisonnave Avenue. You can easily reach it from the circular Plaza de los Luceros (plaza Estels), walking to the northwest along the General Marva Avenue. Climbing up the stairs, you will first see the Institute of Jorge Juan. Behind it there are other educational institutes, like Colegio de Huérfanos de Ferroviarios. On the eastern side of the Castle of San Fernando, you can find the monument to the heroes of the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleon. Nearby is the main complex of this fortification with its Lion gate. In front of the walls, you could take a break during your sunny Explore Spain and relax in a quiet park of Tossal hill.