How heavy the guy that with the castles! Yes, I can not help, I feel an enormous soft spot for these buildings with over a thousand years of history and that we are still standing, some with more luck than others, but they are there.

Today we approach the Forna, Alicante, just 35km from Denia and hides one of the most impressive fortifications of the Valencian Community, we discovered by chance googling and it took very little in closer. Will come, I will tell the truth that almost everyone you know, these trips are an excuse to give a tribute in the form of binge .

Well, what we were going.

The castle is located on Mount Forna, belonging to the municipality of l'Atzúvia, and from it have spectacular views of the entire area with a view in the coast and the sea.

The strength is just stunning, large and robust, from the outside looks like a block inaccessible. In square and flanked by four towers (one bigger than the other) with a large central courtyard, its origin lies in her time Almohad (late early XIIIth XIIth). In the XVth century reform is giving it the appearance we see today, with a more palatial than defensive.

Jaime I (how not), it won for the Kingdom of Aragon in 1258 and he handed it to Guillem Bernat to take charge of his administration. From here, and like most castles, passing through various hands, either by inheritance or by assignments, until in 1435 the family arrived Cruilles, which created the Barony of Forna, whose power and strength to be s.XVII time when movements become the property next to the title of Baron to its final abandonment in 1963.

A curious fact in the few written documents that are never referred directly to the castle but the entire town of Forna, something strange considering that just does not pass unnoticed.

Today the castle belongs to ayuntemiento de l'Atzuvía.

We could not get inside to do is arrange the visit by calling the town hall, a pity that no one is even on weekends. When we went we were not alone, there were about a dozen people, a shame that no one could enter.

Outside, as I said, is well preserved with its original walls. They say it's probably the best preserved castle of the province of Alicante, next to nothing, hence it has a huge importance in the study of medieval times.

To eat

Following the morning visit we approach Mena restaurant in Denia, a classic of the area, Javea on the road to the coast. Very important to make advance booking, especially in summer but fills the whole year. The view from the terrace are spectacular as it is raised just above the sea.

No frills, classic beach restaurant come to a little more but that meets the expectations. Excellent value for money, and seafood and very good quality rice with an efficient service. What more could you want?

Lace

Rice bovagante

Desserts

Sorry, I do not remember the names. Underneath it all, detail of the house

And here ends another day of historical and culinary journey. We loved the castle more than we expected and we are left with the desire to see inside. Maybe someday we will come back because we encourage worthwhile.