Castell de Perputxent

Castell de Perputxent is a medieval castle rising above the Perputxent valley, roughly 1.5 km from the town of l'Orxa (Lorcha) in the province of Alicante. The fortress stands alone on a rocky outcrop reaching 380 meters, with views over the valley and part of the Serpis river.

How do you get there?

The castle sits outside the built-up area of l'Orxa, along the road leading into the Perputxent valley. Access by car ends at a parking area at the foot of the hill, after which visitors continue on foot along a steep path leading directly to the walls. It's worth planning a visit for a cooler part of the day, since the climb across exposed terrain can be tiring in summer.

What will you see?

What visitors find on site today is, in fact, two fortifications built on the same rocky spur. The older, Muslim section dates from the late 12th and early 13th centuries and was known as Hysn Barbunján — it consisted of two defensive enclosures and a cistern, with no elaborate interior buildings. It served as a refuge for the population of nearby settlements such as Canessia, l'Orxa, Benillup, and Benitariq in times of danger.

After the Christian conquest, a second, feudal fortress was built on the same site, featuring a massive tower and additional structures. The changing ownership of the castle traces the turbulent history of the region: in 1260, King James I granted it to Gil Garcés de Azagra, in 1288 it passed to the Order of the Temple, and following the order's dissolution in 1317 it was transferred to the Order of Montesa, which took final possession in 1321.

The castle grounds today cover about 4,000 square meters, and walking among the walls it's possible to trace the differences between the earlier, simpler Muslim architecture and the later, more elaborate Christian additions.

History and heritage protection

Castell de Perputxent was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in 1999. It remained in private hands for years until 2009, when the Alicante Provincial Council acquired the property with a view to its restoration and public access. Conservation work has continued since then to halt the ongoing deterioration of the walls.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when temperatures make the climb more comfortable and the Perputxent valley is at its most scenic. Summer heat in this part of Alicante can be intense, and the path offers little shade along the way. In winter, it's worth checking the weather forecast, as the castle's height and exposed position make it prone to strong winds.

Frequently asked questions

Is the castle open to visitors year-round? Yes, the site is publicly accessible, though given the ongoing conservation work it's worth checking the current condition of specific wall sections before visiting.

How long does it take to reach the castle? The distance itself is about 1.5 km from l'Orxa, but because of the steep climb, the one-way walk can take 30–45 minutes depending on fitness level.

Where does the name Hysn Barbunján come from? It's the Arabic name of the original Muslim fortress built on this site in the 12th–13th centuries, before the area came under Christian rule.

Has the cistern survived? Yes, the Muslim-era cistern is one of the better-preserved elements of the older part of the fortification.