Fort de Bèrnia

The Fort de Bèrnia, also known as the Castle of Bèrnia, is a Renaissance fortification located in the Sierra de Bèrnia, within the municipality of Callosa d'En Sarrià. Built in 1562 by order of King Philip II and designed by the Italian engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli, its purpose was twofold: to defend the coast from Berber pirate attacks and to control potential uprisings by the local Morisco population.

Design and Architecture

The fortress featured a typical design of Renaissance military architecture. It had a double wall and a dry moat between the outer and inner walls. The interior structure had a square floor plan with pentagonal bastions at its corners. The buildings were attached to the walls, leaving a central courtyard also square in shape. This design responded to the defensive needs of the time.

View from the Air

José Luis Luri presents the Fort de Bèrnia from the air in an article on his blog.

Brief Operational Life

Despite its robust construction, the fort had a rather short operational life. In 1612, King Philip III ordered its demolition. This was largely due to its limited defensive utility, as its location far from the coast reduced its effectiveness. Additionally, its destruction aimed to prevent it from being used by Morisco insurgents after their expulsion in 1609.

Current State

Today, the Fort de Bèrnia lies in ruins, but it retains significant remnants such as the remains of its floor plan, the moat, and parts of the residential structures. Located in the Sierra de Bèrnia, which reaches 1,128 meters above sea level, this site offers impressive panoramic views of the Marina Alta region. It is a highly appreciated destination for hiking, nature, and history enthusiasts.

The Fort de Bèrnia is not only a testament to Renaissance military architecture but also a symbol of the region's historical past. Although it now lies in ruins, it continues to attract those seeking to connect with history and enjoy its privileged natural surroundings.