The Tossal de Manises
Lucentum forms the heart of ancient Alicante and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Valencian Community. Located on the Tossal de Manises, just 3 kilometers from the city center and near Albufereta Beach, this site offers a journey back to the Iberian-Roman era. Covering an area of 5 hectares, with 2.5 hectares dedicated to the urban core of the Roman city, it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1961. The site preserves its original urban layout in excellent condition, surrounded by a 600-meter-long wall. Over its centuries of history, Lucentum experienced periods of prosperity and decline, reaching its peak during the reign of Emperor Augusto, when it was granted the status of a Roman municipality. During this time, the city was modernized with the construction of a forum, public baths, temples, and a sophisticated sewage system. Although the city was ultimately abandoned in the 3rd century AD, the site continued to be used as a quarry and later as an Islamic necropolis between the 8th and 10th centuries AD. Today, the archaeological site of Lucentum stands as a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts, where every stone tells a millennia-old story.
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GUIDED VISITS |
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How to get there
- Shuttle buses from Plaza Puerta del Mar
- Elevators at Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora, in front of the Postiguet Beach
- Access by Calle Vazquez de Mella for vehicles and urban itineraries.
- Parking on the grounds of Santa Barbara Castle is not permitted.
- Pedestrian access along urban routes is recommended.
Access
Elevator access
Located in front of the Postiguet beach, in Avenida Juan Bautista Lafora.
SCHEDULE:
Last lift going up: 40 minutes before the closing time of the lifts.
Last lift going down: 20 minutes before the closing time of the lifts.
It is recommended to purchase your lift ticket in advance via the following link:
www.castillosantabarbara.alicante.es
On performance days: consult the Castle’s closing times.
Price of the lifts:
General, 2.70 euros.
Free for retired pensioners who can prove this condition by means of a document.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Access through La Ereta Park
Access through Monte Benacantil
Vehicle access
Only in the following cases:
- Loading and unloading of passengers for the time strictly necessary: cabs, VTC, people with reduced mobility, and minibusses (length 8.50m and mass 6,800kg).
- Visitors must follow the instructions of the municipal staff at all times.
- Authorized coaches accessing the castle must be no longer than 8.50 meters and weigh no more than 6,800 kilograms. Drivers must follow all instructions and guidelines provided by local police officers.
- This authorization is limited to passenger drop-off and pick-up only. After drop-off, the coach must leave the castle and return later for passenger pick-up.