Today I invite you to take a walk through some of the most symbolic buildings in the city of Alicante, in particular the Castle of Santa Barbara, and the Casa Carbonell, both very very close to Playa San Juan. Intercultural, organizes a series of free visits to these places.
They are undoubtedly some of the most representative spots of the city, especially the castle from which you can see a panoramic view of the harbor and the old city as nowhere else.
On the other hand, the Carbonell house, I think is a little less known, and has a very interesting legend, my grandmother used to tell us that many years ago, in the early twentieth century, if I remember correctly), the Carbonell house was not even built yet, but there was the Palas Hotel, (for those of you who don’t know this is building just next door to the Carbonell house, and is now currently being restored to house the Chamber of Commerce of Alicante).
Anyway, one day a farmer came to asking for a stay in this “Illustrious Establishment,” dressed in the traditional way of that era (his overalls, scarf and sandals), and the owner of the Hotel, when he saw him refused to give him a room. What they did not know was that this gentleman who seemed like a poor peasant, was one of the richest man in the vega baja, and he replied: “I want you to know that this hotel will never see the light of day again”, and he built on the side of the hotel the beautiful Casa Carbonell ( more glamorous than anything around, indeed, fulfilling his threat.
If you are interested in enjoying the Santa Barbara Castle tour , it will be this Saturday, November 15 and the Carbonell House on November 20th from 9:30 am to 13:00, you must make an appointment by calling 965208519.
Take advantage (especially tourists and visitors) and enjoy the wonders of this beautiful city, which also has other things other than sun and beach.
photo flckr roberto pastor
