Biar castle

At the weekend, our friends invited us for a BBQ lunch at their family house in Banyeres de Mariola in the Sierra de Mariola.  On the way back to Alicante in the late afternoon we decided to stop off to check out the castle in Biar.  I had never been past this village before and it just intrigued me to see this well-preserved little fortress sitting strategically on top of a hill as we drove past.

We drove up through the winding, narrow streets of Biar village, which is a typical place where nothing much really happens.  These types of villages are full of old people because young people and families usually move to the city for work, opportunities and facilities.  It was empty, probably due to the afternoon heat, and very peaceful.

The view from the castle grounds down on to the village was lovely.

Unfortunately, when we got to the castle door it was closed as it was so late in the day.  So I will have to go back another day to see inside.

See the beautiful blue skies we have here in Alicante!  Not a cloud at all.

The castle has had a long history with modifications by its occupants dating back to the Middle Ages.  This area of Spain was part of the Moorish kingdom during various centuries and have also left their mark on the castle.  The Torre del Homenaje, or Homage Tower, dates back to the 12th Century and is the most ancient and most distinguished part of the castle whose vault is decorated with overlocking arches.  The perimeter walls that you can see in the photos above were erected after the Christian conquest in 1245.

In prehistoric times, this site was chosen as a settlement and an 'eternal' resting place.  In some of the natural caves on the hill, human remains have been found as well as tools and objects that accompanied these settlers on their final journey.  These objects are in the Municipal Museum.

This area has lots of small castles which are well worth a visit on the Vinalopó route.  I haven't been inside this castle yet but from the outside it looks to be in a relatively good state compared to other castles around here, which are almost in ruins.  Just check the visiting hours before making the journey!

Some information courtesy of Castillo de Biar tourist information.