SAX TOWN COSTA BLANCA

Spreading down the hillside of the Vinalopo valley is one of a picturesque chain of settlements dominated by castles, and is a good stopping point. The Castillo de Sax takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, the line of its walls following the contours of the limestone ridge on which it is built. The Moors first built a fortress here in the 10th century. The 12^th century Levante tower survives from this era. Sax, despite its superb defensive position, was finally taken by the Christians in the late 13th century. It then became part of the Marquisate of Villena until absorbed into the kingdom of Ferdinand and Isabella. The town's small archaeological museum) helps put this fascinating area into perspective.