Here is a brief summary of Calpe's numerous historical monuments. You may visit them during your stay and submerge yourself in the life and traditions of Calpe.
The Queen's Baths (Baños de la Reina)
This archaeological site has been renowned for many years. However, it wasn't until 1610 that it received its name, courtesy of Gaspar de Escolano. Since then it has been named in several historical papers.
The name "Baños de la Reina" appears to allude to a SPA function, according to legend reserved for a "Muslim queen". Indeed, the Abbot Cavanilles speaks of them extensively in his botanical and archaeological papers. The truth of the matter is that the Baths were in fact a fish farm, were the fish were kept alive until the time arose for them to be cured in salt at the Roman factory. The compartments were used to separate the different species of live fish, until the time came for them for them to be eaten by the inhabitants of the nearby village, of which some remains can still be seen today. The "Baños de la Reina" was one of the most important factories of its kind in the whole of the Mediterranean.
This archaeological site dates from the late Roman Empire (4th and 5th century).
The Mascarat Castle
A fortified Castle. The ruins of this Muslim Castle can be found directly next to the Mascarat Ravine in Calpe. The remains of the watchtower, constructed at the end of the 16th century to prevent surprise attacks from the Berber pirates, can still be seen today.
It is located 256m above sea level, and served to control the Bay of Calpe and the ancient royal path that ran through the Mascarat Ravine.
What remains is the base of the tower, which was constructed in the 16th century using the foundations and rock from the Castle of Calpe, which stood between the 12th and 14th centuries.
The Peça Tower
After the pirates attacked Calpe, a fortified wall was built around the village. Unfortunately the walls haven't stood the test of time, with the exception of the Peça Tower. The archway was added in the 20th century and repairs were carried out.
Casa Nova
A typical fortified farmhouse, of historical and architectural significance, that combines living and working areas (the hearth, stables, storage area, etc). Casa Nova was most probably built in the late 17th century or at the beginning of the 18th century, and remains an impressive structure which overlooks most of the town. The main body of the building is of a rectangular shape, and comprises three storeys, with balconies at either end of the first floor. At the rear end of the main building there are two patios, one indoor and the other outdoor, which server to connect the living quarters and the work areas. The building materials used were typical of the era, and comprised mostly stone and rubblework. Noteworthy are the eaves of the main façade and the machicolation over the main point of entry.
Pou Salat
The Pou Salat well dates from the 17th century, from where the townsfolk would draw water for human consumption as well as for the village's farm animals. This situation remained unchanged until 1878, when water was diverted from the Pou Roig. In present day the Pou Salat is surrounded by a pretty garden and can be visited.
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Ndrl: Information obtained from Calpe.es, Wikipedia and History of Ancient Calpe by Andrés Ortolá
