The Haunted Face in the Rocks Under Santa Barbara Castle

On a white beach in Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle sits atop a rocky hill as it has done for centuries. There are legends of princesses and her forbidden love as well as ghosts haunting its ancient halls.

Spain is a country rich in history and culture. Its stunning castles are a testament to its rich heritage and architectural brilliance. However, it’s not just the beauty of these castles that fascinates people, but also the stories behind them.

Spain’s haunted castles are shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with tales of ghosts, spirits, and unexplained phenomena that continue to captivate visitors. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Spain’s most haunted castles and explore the eerie tales of the ghosts that inhabit them.

Gratis arkivbilde med alicante, by, byer Arkivbilde — **Postiguet Beach:** Today, beachgoers can see the supposed haunted castle from the sea, and the face that are etched into the stone according to the legend.

With its rich history dating back over a millennium, this imposing structure has stood the test of time, serving as a silent witness to countless tales of triumph, tragedy, and intrigue.

Historical background of Santa Barbara Castle

Santa Barbara Castle has a rich and storied past that dates back to the 9th century when it was built by the Moors. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous battles, conquests, and changes of ownership. In the 13th century, the castle fell into Christian hands during the Reconquista, marking the end of Moorish rule in the region.

Throughout its history, the castle has served as a strategic stronghold for various rulers, including the Kingdom of Aragon and the Crown of Castile. Its commanding position atop Mount Benacantil offered unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal defensive fortress.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

During the 18th century, the castle underwent significant renovations, transforming it into a military barracks and fortification. The castle’s defensive walls were reinforced, and additional structures, such as the Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santa Barbara, were added.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Santa Barbara Castle lies the stunning Postiguet Beach. This picturesque stretch of golden sand is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the castle perched on the hilltop, Postiguet Beach provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and unwinding. The image of the mountain from the beach resembles a face, which is why it is called “the face of the Moor” and is an icon of the city of Alicante.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Castles and Fortresses

Santa Barbara Castle boasts a unique architectural blend of Moorish, Roman, and Gothic influences. Its strategic location on a hilltop allowed for excellent visibility and defense against potential invaders. The castle’s design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, with its walls seamlessly integrated into the rocky outcrop.

The Princess with her Two Suitors

Santa Barbara Castle’s history is shrouded in legends and folklore. One such story revolves around an Arab princess who resided within the castle during the times of Moorish rule. The princess, beautiful and sought after by many suitors, found herself torn between two men from rival families. The castle became the arena for a fierce competition as the suitors battled for her affection and the right to win her hand in marriage.

The princess Cantara had two men fighting for her hand in marriage. One of them was Ali, a simple man that was favored by the princess, but didn’t really have anything to offer but his heart. The other was Almanzor who was a famous warrior from a wealthy family in Cordoba that she didn’t really know.

Cantaras father, the caliph , disagreed with the princess’ choice and wouldn’t let her marry Ali before he proved himself.
He decided that she would marry the one who emerged victorious in a daring challenge that tested their bravery and loyalty. He sent Almanzor to India with the mission to return with spices and treasures for the kingdom. To Ali, the caliph gave the order to build a ditch that could bring fresh water from the mountains to the city of Alicante. The one that completed the task first would be the winner and get to marry the caliphs daughter.

Almanzor set sail to India to complete his mission and was away for a long time. Ali started digging, but would spend the nights with the princess, slowly winning her over by reciting poems and singing her love songs. They fell in love and for the princess, there was only one winner.

Months went by and Almanzor returned with his ships loaded with spices, gold, ivory and silk, just as he had been ordered to. And he was also the first one to have completed his mission and the caliph saw him as the winner.

He ordered his daughter to marry Almanzor, but her heart was already given away. Ali didn’t want to make her choice any harder and chose to jump from the top of the castle. It is said that the face you can see in the mountain is from the impact from his fall, his turban and all. Princess Cantara couldn’t go on without her lover and wouldn’t marry the suitor. She chose to jump after her lover to join him at the feet of the mountain.

The king was sorry and his grief for his daughter turned him into a just ruler to never make the same mistake again. The story about the two lovers spread and to honor their love, they joined their name together and named the city for Alcantara. Time went by and soon the name turned into Alicante and is still the name of the city.

Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices arguing in the dead of night, and some claim to have seen a ghostly figure lurking in the shadows that they connect to this legend of the two lovers. But it is not the only ghosts said to roam the halls of the castle.

The Legends of Santa Barbara Castle

As you walk through the ancient halls of Santa Barbara Castle, surrounded by centuries of history and legends, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and intrigue. The castle’s ghostly secrets are an integral part of its allure, drawing visitors from far and wide who seek a glimpse into the supernatural.

From the Arab princess and her two suitors to the restless spirits that haunt the castle’s corridors, Santa Barbara Castle is a place where the past and present collide. It invites us to explore the mysteries that lie within its walls and contemplate the enduring legacy of those who came before us.