Legend of Santa Barbara Castle and the origin of the name Alicante

The legend of the Moor of the Castle of Santa Barbara in Alicante is a popular story that shrouds the fortress in an aura of mystery and romance. This legend has several versions, but is generally told in the following way:

The Legend of the Moor of the Moor's Face

Many years ago, at the time of the Muslim domination of the Iberian Peninsula, there lived in the Castle of Santa Barbara a Moorish king called Ali. King Ali had a beautiful daughter called Cántara, whose name has been immortalised in the toponym of Alicante.

Cántara was known for her beauty and virtue, and many suitors aspired to her hand. Two knights, Alí and Almanzor, were the most prominent. Both strove to win the favour of King Ali and Cántara herself. To avoid conflict and to make a fair decision, King Ali decided to put them to the test.

King Ali gave both knights a dangerous and difficult mission: they were to perform a heroic deed. The one who returned triumphant would be chosen to marry Cantara.

The two knights accepted the challenge and set off on their respective missions.

Time passed, and one day the news came that Almanzor had returned victorious. Cántara, who had developed feelings for him, was happy. Soon after, however, Ali also returned triumphant from his mission. Cantara's joy turned to confusion and sadness, for he knew that he would have to hurt one of them.

King Ali, seeing his daughter's distress, decided to make a decision for her. He would choose the one he deemed most worthy based on his deeds and character. This decision, however, led to conflict between the two suitors. In an act of desperation and jealousy, Ali, the suitor, attacked Almanzor, and in the ensuing fight, Almanzor was killed.

Cántara, on discovering what had happened, was devastated. She could not bear the loss of Almanzor or the betrayal of Ali. In despair, she threw herself from the top of the castle into the void. King Ali, consumed by grief and guilt, also took his own life.

According to legend, King Ali's face was carved into the rock of the mountain, giving rise to the well-known ‘Cara del Moro’ (Face of the Moor) which can be seen from the city of Alicante. This stony profile is visible on the slope of Mount Benacantil, where the Castle of Santa Bárbara stands, and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the city.

This legend is a mixture of history and myth, reflecting the deep human emotions and tragedies that often accompany stories of love and power. Although there is no concrete historical evidence to support the details of the legend, it remains an important part of local folklore and culture in Alicante.