Can you imagine walking through the same settings that brought to life iconic scenes from gothic horror films, epic adventures, and even classic comedies?
The Santa Barbara Castle, with its imposing walls and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, has been the backdrop for great film productions that have left their mark on the history of cinema. We invite you to discover the magic of the seventh art through this route, where every corner of the castle becomes a stage.
Immerse yourself in the action and discover the films that have turned Alicante’s most important monument into a film location!
El Conde Drácula (1970)
Directed by Madrid-born director Jesús Franco, a key figure in 1970s Spanish horror cinema, Count Dracula is considered one of the most faithful adaptations of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. Released in 1970, the film, starring Christopher Lee, cemented his reputation as the definitive Dracula in cinema history.
Locations:
Santa Barbara Castle was the setting for a key sequence, the death of Dracula. Specifically, the ramp leading up to the castle, where the Count’s coffin is opened, and his body burns in the sun. His body is then thrown from one of the walls. Some scenes were also shot in the Quijano Pantheon..
Bibliography:
Spanish Horror by Victor Matellano
Alicante Se Rueda, University of Alicante
Drácula contra Frankenstein (1972)
Dracula vs. Frankenstein is a gothic horror film that offers an original vision of the confrontation between two of the most famous monsters in the history of cinema. A low-budget film, far from Hollywood standards, with a simple plot, little dialogue and a dark atmosphere, also directed by Jesús Franco.
Locations:
Santa Barbara Castle
Bibliography:
Alicante Se Rueda, University of Alicante
The Three Musketeers (1973)
The Three Musketeers, an adaptation of the 1973 blockbuster novel by Alexandre Dumas. This adventure film was shot entirely in Spain, in different provinces, and features a cast of well-known actors, such as Michael York, Oliver Reed and Frank Finlay in the roles of D’Artagnan, Athos and Porthos, as well as Charlton Heston as the evil Cardinal Richelieu, Faye Dunaway as Milady, Christopher Lee as Rochefort and Raquel Welch in another prominent role.
Locations:
Santa Barbara Castle and Denia.
Bibliography:
Alicante Se Rueda, University of Alicante
La Dama Boba (2006)
La Dama Boba is a film adaptation of Lope de Vega’s comedy, set in 17th century Spain. The story revolves around two sisters, Finea and Nise, played by actresses Silvia Abascal and Macarena Gomez, who live in a society dominated by men and social conventions. The film faithfully recreates the period, offering a fresh and entertaining vision of this classic work of Spanish literature, and features one of the best-known actors on the national scene, Jose Coronado.
Locations:
La Dama Boba is the first production to be made in the Ciudad de la Luz film studios, with some sequences shot in both the Santa Barbara Castle and the old Tobacco Factory in Alicante.
Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques (2008)
Asterix at the Olympic Games is a fun adventure film in the Asterix and Obelix saga, filmed in the Ciudad de la Luz film studios as well as at the St. Barbara Castle and starring Gerard Depardieu and Alain Delon.
Alafulix, in love with the Greek princess Irina, with the help of Asterix and Obelix and the invaluable magic potion of the druid Panoramix, sets out on an adventure to compete in the Olympic Games in Athens against Brutus, the son of Julius Caesar himself, a Roman soldier who also aspires to win the heart of the princess.
Locations:
The scene of Brutus’ entry into Athens with his legion was filmed on the slope and access gate to the Revellin del Bon Repos of the Santa Barbara Castle, as well as various scenes, including the athletes training in the Military Engineers Park.
Route to Bethlehem (2023)
Route to Bethlehem is an American musical film, directed by Adam Anders, that reinvents the story of the birth of Jesus, mixing classic Christmas melodies with new pop songs. The plot focuses on Mary and Joseph, who embark on an adventurous journey, facing obstacles that will test their faith and love.
Locations:
The role of Herod is played by Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, with Santa Barbara Castle being the location to recreate scenes from the film that simulate Herod Castle.
El Cautivo (2024)
El Cautivo, is a new film about the life of the writer Miguel de Cervantes directed by Alejandro Amenabar, director of such well-known films as Tesis, Mar adentro and Los otros.
The shooting of El Cautivo began in April 2024, and its release date is scheduled for 2025. The film narrates an episode in the life of Miguel de Cervantes, which takes place in the year 1575, when he was just 28 years old, being captured by Algerian corsairs and held captive for five years in Algiers, waiting to be rescued.
Locations:
The Santa Barbara Castle was the setting for a week of shooting several scenes of the film, recreating an Algiers market in the Bastion of Santa Ana, a torture room in the Renaissance cistern of the castle, and the Patio de Armas and Puerta de la Herreria as one of the entrance gates to the walled city of Algiers.
