Alicante history

Roman and Carthaginian armies invaded and conquered the Iberian Peninsula on the sixth century BC. The Carthaginian then established the fortified settlement of “Akra Leuka” (meaning in Greek "White Edge”), where Alicante stands today. By the fifth century Rome was in decline. The area was occupied by Arabs who brought oranges, rice, palms and the gifts of Moorish art and architecture.

Romans did not resist and eventually the Moors ruled southern and eastern Spain until the 11th century. Castellan king Alfonso X finally took Alicante under his control in 1246. During the 15th century, Alicante enjoys a golden age free from wars. Coastal cities suffered a lot after that period from pirates and that had a negative repercussion to the once rising trade. Alicante dived into decline, surviving through the 18th and 19th centuries by making shoes and agricultural products such as oranges and almonds. The local economy thrives once again at the end of the 19th century thanks to the international trade.

Modern History

Spain, after having undergone several political changes, becomes in 1931 Spanish Republic. Communists and socialists, conservatives and liberals all have an active role in these years. Spain survived a civil war which lasted for three years. After that Franco’s communism triumphed. Alicante resisted to communism for almost two decades. After Franco’s death in 1975, King Juan Carlos succeeded him and guided Spain towards democracy. Autonomy and power were given to Regional governments by the King so that Valencia would gain back its freedom that was not allowed to have for around four centuries.

Recent history

Alicante is Valencian’s region second largest town in the 21st century. The once dilapidated port becomes now an attractive new city despite the decay it suffered during the decade of 80s. Alicante gradually becomes a favourite tourist destination.

Alicante Nowadays

Alicante today is the most famous destination for relaxing holidays by the beach where the sun-shine is a stable value.