Iglesia San Miguel Arcangel

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

Design and Architecture

The fortress had a design typical of Renaissance military architecture. It featured 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 the 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.

Air View

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

Brief Operational Life

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

Current State

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

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