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Alicante Tourist InformationLying along the famed Costa Blanca of Valencia, Spain, this popular tourist destination prides itself for its numerous historical places, museums and festivals. Located on the south east coast of Spain, it is often the starting point of tourists who want to immerse themselves in the authentic Spanish culture. Alicante is blessed with long sandy beaches and palm trees along the Mediterranean, perfect for calming walks and sightseeing. The mild temperature ranging from around 16°C (60.8°F) during winter to 32°C (89.6°F) during summer is ideal for any tourist who wishes to explore all that this Spanish port can offer. Summer can gives 12 hours of sunshine per day for a terrific stay on the beach and 6 hours even in winter. Official languages are Spanish and Valencian but residents can also understand English and German. The Castillo de San Barbara built in the 16th century is Alicante’s most visited spot. This castle stands on top of Monte Benacantil, a tall cliff which commands a sweeping view of the city and sea. Its towering walls and turrets, draw bridges and stone passages will surely compel visitors to imagine life during the medieval times. The castle also has its share of secret tunnels, a real dungeon and magnificent gardens which have sculptures of known Spanish masters. The Lucentum is definitely another place to visit in Alicante. While only ruins of this ancient Roman town still remains, visitors can still see the original lay out of the town. Three important museums that can be found in Alicante are the MUBAG (Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina), MARQ (Museo Arquelogico Provincial) and Museu de Fogueres. The MUBAG is actually an 18th century mansion that was turned into a fine arts museum. It is near the Iglesia de Sta. Maria which is a Gothic church with an elaborate façade and beautiful altar pieces. The MARQ, displays a huge collection of Iberian art and ceramics and was nominated as the European Museum of the Year for 2004. Finally, the Museu de Fogueres (also called the Museo de las Hogueras) is a newer museum which showcases the city’s Festival de Sant Joan. through an audio-visual presentation. For real fireworks and celebration of the Festival de Sant Joan, tourists will have to come during the summer solstice (June 19 to 24). The people celebrate the festival by first erecting fogueres or papier mache giants as satirical figures. These are set on fire ceremonially on the night of June 24 along with firework displays before the final public hose-down care of the fire department. Another important festival is called the Moros y Cristianos, literally Moors and Christians which commemorate the battles between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquista or 8th to 15th century. This festival is celebrated thrice a year during June, August and December. With a population of 322,431, Alicante is the second largest city in Valencia and eighth in Spain. According to the 2006 census, this population includes 15% foreign residents mostly from Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador. Aside from tourism, the city is also an exporter of wine, fruits and olive oil. | ||
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