Castell de Forna

Castell de Forna stands on a hilltop above the village of Forna, in the municipality of l'Atzúbia, in the northern part of Alicante province. Perched at 232 metres above sea level, it counts among the best-preserved fortified castles in the Marina Alta region.

Where does the castle come from?

The oldest surviving part of the complex, the western tower, dates back to the Almohad period and is tied to the rule of Al-Azraq, the Muslim lord who controlled this territory. In 1258, King James I of Aragon took the fortress from Muslim hands and granted it to Arnaldo de Romaní. Over the following two centuries the castle grew substantially, eventually passing to the Cruïlles family, barons of Forna, who turned the old stronghold into a residence combining defence with representative comfort.

What will you actually see there?

The castle follows a square plan with four rectangular towers at the corners — a layout typical of Gothic noble residences in the Valencian Community, though built here with local materials: rammed-earth (tapial) walls rising from a stone masonry base, with door and window openings framed in brick. That combination of techniques is why historians rank Castell de Forna among the key references for civil Gothic architecture in the region.

The real curiosity waits inside a room in the northwest tower, where one of the richest collections of late medieval and Renaissance graffiti in the whole province of Alicante has survived on the walls. Scratched into the plaster are scenes of ships, a sea serpent, armed warriors and animal figures — a rare, direct trace of the people who once lived within these walls.

Can you visit the castle right now?

The castle is currently closed to the public. Restoration and conservation works have been under way since 2022, aimed at stabilising the structure and protecting the unique graffiti inside. It's worth checking with local cultural institutions for updates, since the site is expected to reopen to visitors once the works are finished.

How do you get to Castell de Forna?

The village of Forna sits within the municipality of l'Atzúbia, in the Marina Alta district, an easy drive from the larger towns along the Costa Blanca coast. The castle itself rises on a hill directly above the village, meaning a short but steep walk up from the houses below — comfortable footwear is a good idea even if, for now, the visit is limited to admiring the exterior.

When is the best time to come?

Given the exposed, hilltop setting, spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, offering milder temperatures than the height of summer and clearer views over the valley and surrounding hills. In summer, the heat on the unshaded slope can be intense.

Frequently asked questions

Is Castell de Forna open to tourists? No, the castle has been closed since 2022 due to restoration works protecting the structure and its valuable graffiti.

How old is the castle? Its oldest part, the western tower, dates from the Almohad period, predating the Christian conquest of 1258. The main expansion took place during the 14th and 15th centuries.

What is the castle's most notable feature? A unique collection of late medieval and Renaissance graffiti in the northwest tower, depicting ships, a sea serpent and armed warriors.

Who owned the castle historically? After the Christian conquest it passed to the de Romaní family, later becoming the seat of the Cruïlles family, barons of Forna.