Alicante is situated in the Bay formed by the Cabo de las Huertas and the Cabo de Santa Pola, at the foothills of the Monte Benacantil. Alicante has a view over the sea and the fertile.y. Alicantes historical district is located in the area around the Calle Labradores and the Rambla de Mandez.
Town planning and military disasters, such as those suffered during the War of the Spanish Succession, have destroyed the historical architecture of the Medina Laquant. The 19th century was an important time for Alicante as in 1821 the medieval walls were pulled down and the city spread to the east and the north. In 1833 Alicante became the capital of the province; in 1851 it was the first coastal city to be linked to Madrid by train, becoming the national capitals main seaport.
Since 1957 more than six and a half million small red, black and cream tiles on the Esplanade have formed one of the most enduring images of Alicante. The esplanade runs parallel to the seafront and is a favourite place to stroll when visiting the city, to eat ice cream, and to listen to concerts performed by the Municipal Band. The Playa del Postiguet is located at one end of the Esplanade, the Canalejas Park with its Fish Market – now converted into the best exhibition hall in Alicante – on the other.
An interesting walk can be taken through the streets of the old centre and the Plazas del Carmen and Quijano, climbing up to the Castle of Santa BA?rbara -a magnificent vantage point to view the entire city. Descending by the calles Toledo and San Roque you reach Plaza de Santa Maria where there is a Museum of Art – the Museum of the Asegurada- and the Church of Santa Maria. From the Plaza del Carmen take the calle de San Rafael and climb up to the Santa Cruz district, a vividly colourful area with geraniums in pots. At night this area full of bars and cafes becomes the centre of Alicantes nightlife.
Alicante is an important service centre for the province. Alicantes commercial centre is shifting eastwards, though the more traditional shops still remain in the calles Mayor, Castanos, Gerona and San Francisco. The avenidas Maisonnave, Federico de Soto, Doctor Gadea and the calle de los Reyes Catalicos are the A?rive droite of the capital.
Gastronomy:
Caldero (fish stew), many types of rice dishes, fish and seafood.
Art:
Ceramics, macramA�, tapestries, pottery, the construction of hogueras.
Monuments:
The best place to visit is the old town centre with narrow steep streets lined with white houses. The calle Labradores and the Santa Cruz district are extremely attractive. Most of the cityA?s historical monuments are found in this area: the cathedral of St Nicolas, the Church of St Mary, the ayuntamiento (town hall) and the Asegurada Museum which contains Eusebio SempereA?s collection of contemporary art. A lift ascends from the old town centre and the beach to the castle of Santa BA?rbara – for the best views over the city. The Esplanade and Doctor GadeaA?s house reveal Modernist features. The Municipal Market, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century by Juan Vidal, is also worth visiting.
Areas:
Old city centre, pedestrian commercial centre, panoramic views from the castle of Santa BA?rbara, Tabarca Island (cruise leaves from the Port), walk along the Esplanade.
Cultural Attractions: The Asegurada Museum contains a collection of work donated by the artist Eusebio Sempere. The collection also includes work by Calder, MirA?, Zobel, Picasso, Tapies, Kandiski and Chagal. The Museum (965 14 03 68) is open from 10 AM to 2 Pm and from 4 PM to 8 PM. On Sundays and public holidays the Museum is open from 10.30 AM to 2.30 PM. Closed on Monday.
Festivals and Events: AlicanteA?s most well known fiestas are Les Fogueres held in honour of Saint John, which have been said to be of special interest to foreign tourists. The Fogueres consist of the planta (assembly) and crema (burning) of satirical sculptures with fiestas, poplar open-air celebrations, re-enactments, parades and floral offerings. These fiestas are held from the 20-29 of June. The fiesta of the patron saint of Alicante, the Virgin Healer, is held on the 5th of August with a Canticle to the Dawn. A long-standing Alicante fiesta is the pilgrimage to St Faz held on the second Thursday after Holy Week. Moors and Christians pageants are held in several districts including San Blas in mid June, and Altozano and Jose Antonio during the second half of August. In Villafranqueza, Saint Joseph is celebrated from the 15-19 of March.
Situation: Alicante is used as a national reference point to measure level of the sea. The city has extraordinarily good connections with the coastal area via the N-332 and the A-7 motorway. It is also easy to reach Madrid by road and rail. The airport is located 11 km away; there is a bus connection departing from the Bus Station.
Information source: costablanca.org
