Castell de Santa Anna

At the very top of Oliva, crowning a limestone hill that rises above the old town, stands the Castell de Santa Anna, a 16th-century Renaissance fortress built by the Count of Oliva. Its two circular towers and the chapel preserved inside make it one of the great symbols of this town in La Safor, and the best part is that the climb up to it is free and open to all.

History

The castle was raised in the 16th century as a work of the Count of Oliva, at a time when the old medieval fortifications were giving way to structures better suited to the tastes and defensive needs of the Renaissance. Set on a promontory overlooking the town, it combined the role of a stronghold with that of a noble residence, and it still preserves the plain, sturdy character typical of the architecture of that era.

What to see

The ensemble stands out for its two circular towers and the small chapel kept within its walls. But the real highlight is the view: from the top you take in the entire old town, the fertile plain of La Safor and an immense Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.

Tips for your visit

• Access is free and open, so take your time to explore.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the hill has a fair slope.
• Come at sunset, when the light over the town and the sea changes.
• Pair it with a stroll through the old town of Oliva.