Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Castle of St Barbara)
Dating from the ninth century and Moorish in origin, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara is the most emblematic construction in the city. Located on the summit of Mount Benacantil at 166m (544ft) above sea level, the castle is built in several fortified levels.

Monte Benacantil
Tel: (96) 516 2128.

Iglesia de Santa María (Church of Santa María)
This is the oldest church in the city and was built in the gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the ruins of what was once the main mosque during the Moorish occupation.

Plaza de Santa María
Tel: (96) 521 6026.

MARQ (Archaelogical Museum of Alicante)
Situated in the former Hospital de San Juan de Dios, this museum contains an important collection comprising pieces from Palaeolithic times to the Middle Ages, offering an educational experience. Voted Best European Museum in 2004.

Plaza del Doctor Gomez Ulla
Tel: (96) 514 9000.
Website: www.marqalicante.com

Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari (Cathedral of St Nicholas of Bari)
Built in the Renaissance style of the Spanish architect Juan de Herrera, this is one of the most important buildings in the Old Town. Of special interest are the cloister, adorned with baroque doors, the altar, the communion chapel and the 45m- (147ft-) high dome.

Plaza Abad Penalva
Tel: (96) 521 2662.

Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)
A fine example of baroque civic architecture finished in 1760, it is flanked by twin towers. Of interest inside are the Blue Room, the Plenary Room and the chapel. On the first step of the stairway on the first floor is a small metal disc indicating sea level, which is used as a reference point for measuring the height above sea level in all other parts of Spain.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento 1
Tel: (96) 514 9100.
Website: www.alicante-ayto.es