Spain is a traditional friendly country in Europe that has established diplomatic relations with our country for 73 years this year. In the past, it was known only as a country of bullfighting and soccer, but recently it has become a major European tourist destination that Koreans enjoy visiting. In addition to tourism, economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries are also becoming more active, and it is emerging as a country of major interest.
Eun-jin Lee’s series ‘Spanish Stories’ introduces the history and culture of Spain, a fusion of Celts, Rome, and Islam.
Santa Barbara Castle. Courtesy of the author.
Alicante is a beautiful port city on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. However, it is a vacation spot that is not well known to Koreans. It is where I went on a summer vacation with Maria’s family, my homestay hosts, when I was studying in Spain. Alicante is impressive for its strong sun, clean beaches, and peaceful and quiet walking paths. I still remember the kind people who lowered the prices of items at the flea market.
Walking through the maze-like alleys of this village, I liked the thoughtfulness and generosity of the homeowners who hung several flower pots on the white walls and in front of the doors for passersby to admire. In this way, Alicante is a hidden summer vacation spot for Spanish people. Historically, it was the closest place to the Mediterranean, and Mediterranean civilization flowed in. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and later Arabs came here one after another in search of new trade routes. Various cultures also blossomed along with them.
Museum inside the Santa Barbara Castle. Courtesy of the author.
The most notable sight in the city is the Castle of Santa Barbara. We took a bus to the Castle of Santa Barbara. The castle is located at the foot of Monte Benacantil, the highest mountain in the city. Although the mountain is low, it is a majestic rock overlooking the city. It was named Santa Barbara because Prince Alfonso of Castile took it from the Muslim army on December 4, the day of Saint Barbara. It survived several wars since the 17th century, and was restored and opened to the public in 1963. The castle is divided into three parts: the Torreta, which contains the old fortifications; the middle part, which contains the Hall of Philip II and other important buildings; and the lower part, which includes the Revelín del Bon Repos, built in the 18th century.
Panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Alicante. Courtesy of the author.
When you climb up the rough-looking castle, the blue Mediterranean sea spreads out before you. The Mediterranean Sea is in my arms as a panorama. It was a bit disappointing because it was raining and cloudy, but the city naturally has a light pastel sky on its head. When I close my eyes and spread my arms, a cool breeze wraps around my body pleasantly. It is a beautiful place where I feel that it is much better to take a commemorative photo, but it is much better to take it with my eyes and heart.
El Barrio de Santa Cruz, a maze of cute houses and cafes. Courtesy of the author
When the blue light of the Mediterranean Sea was enough to please my eyes, my eyes naturally moved to the old town below the fortress. This old walled city is connected by narrow alleys. I walked to the Santa Cruz district where cute houses and cafes are gathered. This is the prettiest street in Alicante. It is fun to look at small houses and pretty bars and cafes while climbing the steep hill stairs. The houses that are built close together are decorated in pastel colors according to the taste of their unique owners, and small pots with plants are placed in front of the houses. It is a scene where you can feel the typical leisure of Spain. When you come across a nice cafe or bar, time passes quickly as you drink coffee or sit on the stairs and take pictures.
Alicante is also well known for its diverse and mouth-watering local rice dishes. We highly recommend trying arroz a banda (fish rice) and arroz negro (squid rice) as they are both great for curbing the appetite and are sure to satisfy the Korean palate.
Eun-jin Lee, Spanish expert and cultural columnist
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