Castell d'Aixa

The Castell de la Solana, also known as Castell d'Aixa, is located at the summit of Beniquasi, the highest point of the Costera de la Solana mountain range, at an altitude of 606 meters above sea level. Its feudal domain covered the municipalities of Alcalalí, Xaló, and Llíber. The only remaining vestige of the fortress is the base of a rectangular tower measuring 12 x 4.50 meters. It is classified as a Site of Cultural Interest.

Xaló, Castell d'Aixa • 29/03/2025 08:39

This strategic location offers breathtaking views of the entire Marina region, making it an ideal spot to understand the geography of the area. From here, both the inland valleys and the coastal zones can be observed, providing a unique perspective on the surrounding landscapes.

Historical Evolution

Ancient Era: In the late 19th century, residents of Xaló discovered ceramic remains at the summit of Beniquasi, suggesting the possibility of an Iberian settlement. The Iberians typically established themselves in elevated locations that allowed them to visually control access to their villages. From the summit of Beniquasi, in addition to Alcalalí, Xaló, and Llíber, one can see the towns of La Llosa de Camatxo, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, and the coastline stretching from Castell de Cullera to Altea. After the conflicts between the Romans and the Iberians, the population likely settled permanently in the plains, where the land was divided into plots known as "quintae" or "pagi".

Arab Period: The Muslims also recognized the strategic importance of the location, constructing the castle and giving it the name by which it is known today: Aixa.

Due to the strategic significance of the site, it was relatively easy to communicate via smoke signals with the fortresses of Tàrbena, Atzavares, and Castells.

They chose the name in honor of Aixa, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who was revered for her wisdom and bravery. Before being incorporated into the domains of King James I, Castell d'Aixa belonged to the wali Hudäyl Al-Sähuir until 1230, the year of his death, when the castle was inherited by his son Habu Abdala Ibn Hudäyl, also known as "Al-Azraq".

Modern Era: In 1561, King Philip II commissioned the Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli to inspect all the castles of the Marina region. However, the Castell de la Solana was not mentioned in the report. This omission could have been an oversight, but it is more likely that the engineer did not include it because by that time, it was already in ruins.

Sources: Wikipedia, Fent Camí (Joan Elies Andrés i Serer)