Description of the attraction
San Fernando Castle is a fortress built almost in the center of Alicante, on Mount Tossal during the War of Independence with the Napoleonic army, between 1809 and 1813. This castle was used as a prison for a certain time, and its purpose was to provide protection to the more ancient castle - the castle of St. Barbara. The castle got its name in honor of the King of Spain Fernando VII.
The construction of the castle was carried out under the supervision of the military engineer Pablo Ordovas Sastre. The castle did not fulfill its defensive function in the war with the French due to the fact that the French interrupted their offensive towards Alicante, concentrating all their forces in the military campaign against Russia.
The base of the fortress is made up of two bastions, connected by walls-passages, which provide free movement within the fortress for its defenders. A deep ditch was dug at the foot of the fortress; inside the fortress there is a large bunker, which, if necessary, provides shelter from enemy fire. Also on the territory of the fortress there is a powder warehouse, warehouses for storing weapons, provisions, water tanks.
For a long time, the fortress of San Fernando was in disrepair, causing the displeasure of the local population. To date, the territory of the castle has been restored, and nearby, on the slopes of the mountain, a huge park has been organized with many sports and entertainment grounds.
