Alicante, together with Jaén, holds a pivotal role in Spain for patrimonial fortifications, housing a catalog of 250 fortresses and towers. Beyond merely listing these assets, the ongoing mission focuses on restoring and preserving them. Public investment has long supported this cultural conservation effort, reinforcing policy frameworks that sustain preservation over time.
Today, the Alicante castles initiative took center stage during the Provincial Fortification Seminar of 2019, where eighteen intervention projects were showcased. The program prioritizes both medieval and more recent structures, with several projects already completed and others advancing. Notable sites include Lorca’s castle, Almudaina Tower, Orba castle, Santa Barbara in Alicante, and Caletes Tower at Benidorm.
The funding strategy behind these projects harmonizes provincial support with expert assessment of prior actions. The plan calls for increased investments, refined proposals, and clear strategies for Alicante’s fortifications. The aim is to share progress with the public under strict professional criteria, reflecting a surge in activity in recent years.
Present at the event were Culture and Architecture Deputies Julia Parra and Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate, MARQ director Manuel Olcina, the Director of the Diputación Architecture area Rafael Perez, archaeologist Jose Luis Menendez, and CV-MARQ Foundation managing director Jose Alberto Cortes. Andres Martin Menendez, Architecture professor at the University of Alicante, also attended.
The proceedings highlighted the synergy between archaeology and architecture as essential for effective restoration work. Olcina and Perez, backed by regional teams, have long engaged with archaeological sites and fortifications alike, underscoring a hands-on approach to preservation.
As MARQ’s director notes, archaeological foundations should guide enhancements to built spaces, with architects playing a vital role in the process. The accompanying book, filled with photographs, graphic documents, and plans, is seen as a model for other Spanish regions and a beacon for ongoing restoration efforts.
Parra emphasizes the scientific, academic, and educational value of the new publication, predicting strong interest among history enthusiasts across the province. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante, which houses the materials, is viewed as a central repository of knowledge that enriches public understanding of the region’s fortifications.
The collaboration described demonstrates a practical approach to cultural heritage that blends research with hands-on restoration, while maintaining transparency and public engagement. The overarching goal is not only to preserve structures but also to illuminate their historical significance for communities and visitors alike.
Torre de Almudaina marks twelve years of open public access with a dedicated day for the community. Provincial authorities express gratitude to the authors for advancing knowledge of castles and fortifications in the region, illustrating how coordinated effort can propel preservation, dissemination, and sustainable development of historic buildings. These initiatives form a core part of the region’s historical narrative.
Officials announced multiple grant lines aimed at heritage preservation. A new historic heritage fund has been established with an initial allocation of 2.5 million euros to assist all municipalities, expandable according to demand and need. This policy framework reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding cultural assets across the province.
To illustrate policy impact, a construction project has already received 450 thousand euros to ensure the ongoing permanence of the Plans Fortress, a timely measure to secure protection in smaller municipalities that operate with limited resources.