| Founded as Akra-Leuka ("White Summit")
by Phocaean Greeks (from the west coast of Asia Minor) in 325 BC, the
city was captured in 201 BC by the Romans, who called it Lucentum. Under
Moorish domination, which lasted from 718 to 1249, it was called
al-Akant. It was later incorporated into the kingdom of Aragon and was
besieged by the French in 1709 and by the Federalists of Cartagena in
1873.
The city is dominated by Benacantil Hill (721 feet [220 m]) and the
citadel of Santa Bārbara (1,000 feet [305 m]), the earliest
foundations of which date from 230 BC. |
Notable landmarks in Alicante include the Baroque town hall
(1701-60), the Church of Santa Marėa (14th century), and the
Renaissance collegiate church of San Nicolās de Bari (18th
century).
Alicante serves as a commercial port and has excellent road, rail,
and air transportation facilities.
Its mild climate (18ēC as average temperature) makes it a
winter resort, and its beaches besides our summer local feast
'Las Hogueras de San Juan' are a tourist
attraction.
Pop. (1997 est.) 276,000. |