Castle of Cox, also known locally as Castillo de Ayala, Castillo de Santa Bárbara, or simply Castillo de Cox, sits prominently in the center of the town of Cox in Alicante's province. Built during the early 12th century under Muslim rule on a rocky spur in the northern foothills of the Sierra de Callosa de Segura, the fortress originally protected the rural village. Following Alfonso X of Castile's conquest in 1226, it passed through various Christian hands, becoming incorporated into the Kingdom of Valencia in 1304. Around 1446, Juan Ruíz Dávalos rebuilt and transformed it into a fortified manor house. The fully renovated castle affords commanding views across the region and is recognized as one of the most historically significant fortifications in Valencia and Spain. The steep hillside location rewards visitors with panoramic vistas from its elevated position.
