Walls of Tabarca facts for kids

The Wall of Tabarca is an old defensive wall built a long time ago, in the 1700s. You can find it in the small town of Tabarca, which is near Alicante in Spain. A clever person named Fernando Méndez de Ras, who was a military engineer (someone who designs buildings for defense), planned this wall. He also designed other buildings on the island. This strong wall has three main entrances, called gates, which are built in a fancy style called Baroque.

What Makes the Tabarca Wall Special?

The shape of the Tabarca wall follows the natural curves of the island's coastline. It's made from strong stone, and the outside is covered with smooth, cut stones called ashlar.

Since the 1980s, people have been working to fix up and restore parts of the wall to keep it looking good. The wall has three important gates, each with its own name:

• San Rafael Gate (also known as the Eastern Gate)
• La Trancada Gate (also called Saint Gabriel Gate)
• Alicante Gate (or Saint Michael Gate)

These gates are not just entrances; they are also beautiful examples of Baroque design.

Who Built the Wall and Why?

The Wall of Tabarca was built starting in 1769. It was designed by Fernando Méndez de Ras, who was a very important architect for the military. The main reason for building this wall was to protect the island of Tabarca. Islands like Tabarca were often targets for pirates or other invaders, so strong walls were needed to keep the people safe.

The Government of Spain owns and takes care of the wall today, making sure this important piece of history is preserved for everyone to see.

See Also

In Spanish: Muralla de Tabarca para niños