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The Old QuarterThe character of old Spain is very much in evidence here
The Old Quarter is clinging to the slopes of Mount Benacantil, in the shadow of the Santa Barbara Castle, a settlement which can trace its origins back to late Roman times, and where medieval walls are interspersed with streets and lanes dating from more recent times.
It contains within its walls a lively nightlife scene referred to as el barrio, a simple but loaded reference to what it offers.
Our sightseeing walk can start in the tranquil Plaza de la Santísima Faz behind the Town Hall, from where we climb up Calle de San Agustín to the Plaza de Quijano, one of the oldest squares in Alicante.
From there we can stroll along Calle de Pedro Sebastia until we arrive to Calle de San Roque. Here we will find the ermita (hermitage) of San Roque (a co-patron of the city), dating from 1559, rebuilt in 1875, and recently restored.
Inside the hermitage is a poignant Gypsy Christ, greatly venerated by the people of the ancient Santa Cruz barrio.
The Calles de Toledo, San Luis and Diputado Auset reveal the hidden, singular Alicante: of gleaming houses, with colourful façades covered in flowers and decorated with grillework and mosaics that reveal the veneration felt by the inhabitants for the Santa Faz ; of ancient fountains, and of steep, narrow lanes, almost silent and reminiscent of Arab times, all inevitably leading to the 18th century hermitage of Santa Cruz.
There is a fantastic Medieval market at the end of June every year in this area, behind the Town Hall, after the Saint John's Bonfires celebration.
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