Cruz de los Caídos (Alicante)

Cruz de los Caídos in Alicante is a small but distinctive monument standing on a traffic roundabout right in the city centre, between Avenida del Doctor Gadea and Avenida de Federico Soto, next to Plaza Calvo Sotelo. Contrary to a common assumption, it does not sit on Benacantil hill beside Santa Bárbara Castle — it rises among apartment blocks and busy streets in the heart of the city, which makes for an interesting contrast for anyone exploring Alicante on foot.

Where exactly is the monument and how do you spot it?

The cross stands on a roundabout that once held the Maisonnave monument. It reaches about 9.5 metres in height and is less than a metre wide, so from a distance it looks almost like a narrow, twisted spire. That slender, spiralling shape is exactly what earned it its popular local nickname, "el Sacacorchos" — "the corkscrew". The structure is built from reinforced concrete faced with stone, giving it a solid, monolithic appearance despite its modest size, and it is easy to walk past it without noticing if you're moving quickly through the centre.

Who built it and when?

The cross was erected between 1939 and 1940, immediately after the end of the Spanish Civil War. It was designed by architect Miguel López González in collaboration with Miguel Abad Miró. At its base, an inscription bears the dates 1936–1940, referring to the years of the conflict.

What does the inscription say, and why does it matter?

The text on the plinth reads: "A todos los hombres y mujeres que murieron en defensa de sus ideales" — "To all the men and women who died defending their ideals." This wording is not the original one: it was changed during the term of socialist mayor José Luis Lassaletta, who decided the monument should commemorate victims from both sides of the conflict rather than only one. As a result, the Cruz de los Caídos in Alicante is treated differently from many similar Francoist-era crosses elsewhere in Spain — its symbolism was deliberately reframed toward reconciliation rather than one-sided tribute.

Is it worth visiting while sightseeing in Alicante?

For visitors interested in 20th-century Spanish history and memorial architecture, this is a small but noteworthy stop in the city centre. It sits within walking distance of Alicante's main attractions, such as the Explanada de España and the old town, so it can easily be folded into a longer walking route without a special detour. This is a place for a quiet pause rather than a scenic overlook — worth stopping briefly to read the inscription and take in the historical context, rather than expecting sweeping views or visitor infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruz de los Caídos located on Benacantil hill, near Santa Bárbara Castle? No. The monument stands in central Alicante, on a roundabout between Avenida del Doctor Gadea and Avenida de Federico Soto, near Plaza Calvo Sotelo — not on the hill beside the castle.

Why is the monument called "el Sacacorchos"? Because of its narrow, twisted cross shape, which locals compare to a corkscrew — a humorous nickname used alongside its official name.

When was the monument built and who designed it? It was built between 1939 and 1940, designed by architect Miguel López González together with Miguel Abad Miró.

Does the inscription only honour one side of the Civil War? Not in its current form. Under mayor José Luis Lassaletta, the text was changed to honour everyone who died defending their ideals, regardless of which side of the conflict they were on.