Biar, human settlement in L'Alt Vinalopó / El Alto Vinalopó, Alicante Province, Valencian Community, Spain
Biar is a municipality in the province of Alicante, surrounded by old walls and mountains that shape its layout. The town features narrow stone streets, traditional houses with red-tiled roofs, and a medieval castle perched on a hilltop above the village.
Biar was founded as a fortress to protect the region, and its history shows both Moorish rule and later Christian conquest. The castle and town walls date to these periods of conflict, when defending the settlement was essential for survival.
Biar's name comes from its Moorish fortress heritage, and you can feel how Arab and Christian histories shaped the place. Today, residents take care of their stone homes and gather in local cafes, showing how the community stays connected to its past traditions.
The town is easy to reach by road, with small parking areas nearby for visitors. Free guided walks through the historic center must be booked ahead, while hiking trails and climbing routes in the surrounding countryside are available for self-guided exploration.
A historic ice storage well in Biar reveals how people once collected and stored snow from the mountains for later sale. This clever solution for preservation before modern refrigeration shows the resourcefulness of local residents.
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