La Fortaleza de Altea

Abstract

[EN] At the end of the 16th century the Vice-Chancellor Frigola, in communication with the Valencian Councils, proposed to build a new fortress in a uncertain place next to the Castle of Bellaguarda-Altea. He ordered the study three experienced engineers and architects: Cristobal Antonelli, Fray Carmelo and Pedro de Valencia. They advised him to build a castle, several bastions and a farm house for the new village of Altea. These facilities allowed securing the place for the coast and facilitate the economic development of the Valley of Algar. The fortress, walled enclosure, bastions and castle were intervened by the Crown through the letter of refunding; These actions allowed the increment of the population and economic development. This new city, located in a remote area, was one of the most populous towns in the kingdom. The castle is a unknown fortress, elegantly drawn by Francisco Ricaud in 1740, it preserves urban traces and currently it is recognizable the wall and two doors. The value of the fortress is one of the most interesting parts of the Mediterranean Western