In the historic centre of Altea La Vella, the street layout still traces the square shape of a former Islamic castle. Font Gran brings another layer of history into view: it has been documented since the 16th century, while the central structure that survives today dates from 1884. Together with views of the Sierra from Calvari and the church of Santa Anna, these features offer different starting points for a stay, from local history to the landscape.
Castle Traces in the Historic Centre
The former Islamic castle now lies beneath the buildings. Even so, its square shape remains visible in the street layout of the historic centre as a trace of the former structure. The history of the place is therefore not represented by a single building alone: the shape of the streets also preserves a clue to the former castle. As you walk through the centre, you can keep this connection between the layout and history in mind without mistaking the underground castle for a building still standing above ground.
Font Gran: Location and Two Dates
Font Gran lies at the foot of the mountain, on the path between the Sierra and the centre of Altea La Vella. Its location makes it a distinct reference point between the landscape and the town. The history of the site can also be understood through two different dates: Font Gran has been documented since the 16th century; the central structure that survives today dates from 1884. These dates therefore refer to different aspects—the earliest documentary record and the surviving central structure. This distinguishes the site's long history from the date of this part of the structure.
Calvari and the Hiking Trail
Calvari is an area of particular scenic interest, with views of the Sierra. Another way to explore the surroundings is the PR-CV 436 CamĂ de la Cova de la Serp hiking trail, which runs between Altea La Vella and PinĂłs. When planning this route, take the trail signs into account: because deficiencies in the signage have been identified, the trail has been rated as suitable only with restrictions. Check the current signage before setting out, as this status may change.
Santa Anna in the Townscape
The church of Santa Anna shapes the townscape of Altea La Vella through its size and form. Its impact differs from that of the former castle: at Santa Anna, the size and shape of the building stand out, while the trace of the castle remains in the street layout of the historic centre. Together, these two examples show how historical references can appear in different ways in the townscape—as a prominent building or as a form reflected in the layout of the streets.
Iberian Evidence and the Carta Puebla
Altea La Vella's Iberian past is also part of its history. The Iberian funerary stele of Altea La Vella depicts a warrior equipped with his own weapons. The Iberian necropolis served as a burial site for the nearby Iberian settlement of Altea La Vella. The two pieces of evidence draw attention to different aspects: the stele depicts the warrior with his equipment, while the necropolis is associated with the burial practices of the nearby settlement. In this way, an individual image and the archaeological evidence of a burial site complement each other.
Another historical milestone is the first Carta Puebla of Altea La Vella, dating from 1279. It belongs to a different period from the Iberian burial and settlement remains and the later evidence preserved in buildings. Exploring the area therefore allows you to distinguish between different historical layers: the Iberian past, the Carta Puebla of 1279 and the traces that can be read in today's townscape.
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