Spain’s City of Light: Alicante’s History and Highlights

What do a large catch of sardines, a princess, and a brave Welsh sailor have in common? You’ll soon find out on this walking tour of Alicante, where the history and culture of this enchanting Mediterranean city come alive. Our adventure begins at the striking El Adivinador sculpture, something of an icon in the city, symbolising Alicante’s hopeful spirit. From there, you’ll walk through the picturesque Explanada de España, a promenade adorned with majestic palm trees and colourful mosaic tiles. I’ll show you key sites from the medieval era, like Alicante City Hall and Plaza Santa Faz. On the way, you’ll bear witness to the dramatic aftermath of the 1691 French Navy attack that literally left Alicante in ruins. We’ll pass the historic Basilica Santa Maria and you’ll have a chance to dive into the Central Market’s noise and array of sights and smells. At the Bonfire Museum, you’ll find out about the exciting Hogueras Festival and learn about Alicante’s unique Tardeo tradition, which gave rise to its nickname, ‘the City of Light’. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Discover the heroic tale of the HMS Stanbrook’s Welsh captain during the Spanish Civil War • Admire Casa Carbonell, an architectural gem with a story of revenge behind its beauty • Learn about the dramatic 1938 bombing of the Central Market, where over 300 people lost their lives at the Plaza 25 de Mayo • Walk down Calle Jorge Juan, named after Alicante’s very own Indiana Jones, and hear about some of his exploits • See traces of the city’s nearly millennium-long Islamic history, and hear the tragic story about the Caliph behind the “Face of the Moor” in the mountain • Find out how Alicante’s cuisine has been transformed by unique fruits and spices from its Islamic past • Peek behind the curtain of Alicante’s history and discover the roots of its tourist industry This tour offers an engaging blend of history, culture, and local allure, making Alicante an unforgettable destination for any traveller. Join us and experience the essence of Alicante and its people through its rich stories and lively traditions. [The Hogueras Celebration in Alicante](https://youtu.be/8R3U4hjF7aE?si=jjerZnS9ANOUGY7l)

Price: £11.99 from VoiceMap