Castillo de Sax

Castillo de Sax crowns a rocky outcrop above the town of Sax, in the province of Alicante, rising roughly 500 metres above sea level over the Alto Vinalopó valley. Visible for miles around, its silhouette has long served as a landmark for travellers crossing this stretch of the Valencian Community, some 40 kilometres inland from the city of Alicante.

What will you see?

The castle follows an elongated plan that traces the crest of the ridge it sits on, with its eastern flank protected by sheer natural cliffs that made it nearly unassailable. The centrepiece is the 14th-century Tower of Homage (Torre del Homenaje), standing about 20 metres tall above the rest of the walls. At the opposite end survives a much older single-storey square tower dating to the 12th century, one of the oldest surviving elements of the complex. Within the walls, layers of construction from different eras are still visible, from the Caliphate of Córdoba period through the Christian centuries that followed, making Castillo de Sax a living record of some six hundred years of regional history.

What's the history behind it?

The earliest defensive remains on this hill go back to the 10th century and the Caliphate of Córdoba, and some researchers believe the base of one tower could even date to Roman times. The fortress took much of its present form during the Almohad period. It remained under Muslim control until 1239, when it was taken by the Knights of the Order of Calatrava, passing to the Crown of Castile under the Treaty of Almizra. During the War of the Spanish Succession, the castle sided with Philip of Anjou. Ownership then passed among local nobility over the following centuries until the town of Sax acquired it in 1980, opening the way for it to become a visitor site.

How do you get there?

Two routes lead up to the castle. The first is a metal stairway climbing directly from the old town of Sax, starting near the Hermitage of San Blas, with fine views over the town and valley along the way. The second route runs up the back of the hill through a pine-covered slope, following a narrow paved road suited to visitors who prefer to drive up or find the stairway too demanding; more parking is available at this entrance.

When should you visit?

Given the castle's exposed, elevated position with little shade, mornings or late afternoons make for the most comfortable visits, especially in summer when temperatures in the Alto Vinalopó area can climb high. Spring and autumn are pleasant times to pair a castle visit with a stroll through the historic centre of Sax, home to chapels, churches and small museums, while the surrounding hills offer hiking trails for those wanting to explore further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the climb to the castle difficult? The stairway route from the town side is steep and requires reasonable fitness, though it starts right in the old town. Visitors who prefer an easier approach can use the paved road on the back of the hill instead.

How far is Castillo de Sax from Alicante? The town of Sax lies about 40 kilometres inland from the city of Alicante, in the Alto Vinalopó valley.

What views does the castle offer? From roughly 500 metres above sea level, the castle overlooks the entire Alto Vinalopó valley and the rooftops of the town of Sax below.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the historic centre of Sax with its chapels and churches, plus a network of hiking trails in the surrounding hills, both pair well with a castle visit.