Nice place with free parking.

via google · 3/2/2026

There's not much left of the castle, but you can still see some sections of the wall. You can visit a 'literary' cemetery inspired by the works of Gabriel Miró. Admission is free. On the way up, there's a bar with stunning views. It's a very picturesque spot.

via google · 12/21/2025

This cemetery is quite fascinating due to its connection with Gabriel Miró, featuring a statue and several signs displaying his writings.

via google · 12/16/2025

The town of Polop is a beautiful village with a network of cobbled streets of Arab origin, situated around a steep and rocky hill, on top of which stands the most iconic image of Polop, its castle. The castle is freely accessible and free of charge. It is only open in the mornings until noon. From the nearby San Pedro church, you can reach the castle via the Calvario path, which is an asphalted ramp with a slight incline. In the same square where the church is located, there is a public parking lot. It is a small castle that originally had double walls, although today there are few remnants of the outer wall, while some sections of the inner wall made of masonry, an old cistern, and the remains of a square tower are preserved. The interior of the castle has a rather curious appearance, as it was used for many years as a municipal cemetery until it was closed and abandoned in the 1940s. Currently, the castle houses the literary cemetery, opened in 2014, named in honor of the Alicante writer Gabriel Miró, who spent long summer periods in Polop with his sick daughter. In Polop, Gabriel Miró wrote "Años y leguas", a book of stories that talk about the author's experiences in these Alicante lands of the Sierra de Aitana as a backdrop, narrating in one of them about this ancient cemetery. This literary cemetery is a beautiful tribute in memory of one of the most important Spanish writers of the 20th century. Among the remains of the castle, some of the old graves romantically described by Miró in his book are preserved, such as the grave of the foreign suicide. This castle was built in the early 12th century, during the Muslim period, erecting a fortified stronghold on top of a primitive watchtower. The most significant history of this castle corresponds to the 13th and 14th centuries, when it witnessed numerous battles between Christians and Muslims. After the conquest of the city of Valencia by King Jaime I of Aragon, he continued his campaign of conquests and territorial expansion south of the Taifa of Valencia, reaching Alicante lands in the mid-13th century. At that time, the Muslim leader Al-Azraq governed a vast territory of the Alicante mountains, which included Polop. Al-Azraq established a non-belligerence agreement with Jaime I through the Treaty of Pouet, in exchange for the recognition of the authority of the Aragonese king. Through this treaty, the Muslim population continued to inhabit these lands, allowing the Andalusian leader to retain governance over various fortifications and castles for a few more years, after which they were to be peacefully handed over to the king. However, the constant Christian violations led to a Mudéjar rebellion and the subsequent uprising led by Al-Azraq over a decade, with clashes between Christians and Mudéjares that ended with the victory of Jaime I and the expulsion of Al-Azraq, who went into exile in the Kingdom of Granada. Years later, there was a second Mudéjar uprising, again led by Al-Azraq, who died near the city of Alcoy on April 23, 1276. The figure of this Muslim leader, whose death coincides with the feast of Saint George, is related to the historical celebration of the Moros y Cristianos festivals in Alcoy, whose festivities have been documented since the 17th century. After these uprisings, the castle and the village of Polop became part of a baronial lordship of the Crown of Aragon for several centuries, reaching its peak during the 16th and 17th centuries, which brought significant economic and social development. In the 18th century, the castle was in very poor condition, being donated to the municipality in order to build a municipal cemetery inside, which operated until 1945.

via google · 12/12/2025

Just for the views, the visit is already worth it. There are few visible elements of the original castle; what we will find are remnants of the structures of the old cemetery. There are a series of plaques with excerpts from the chapter "Huerto de cruces" of the novel "Años y leguas" by the writer Gabriel Miró, which makes it easier for us to understand what we are seeing. Its reading is recommended.

via google · 10/7/2025

The Castillo de Polop, though in ruins, has a great charm and offers panoramic views of the village and its surroundings. In addition to its historical value, it is notable for housing a literary cemetery, making it a cultural and reflective space. It is an ideal place to enjoy the landscape and history, although access may be difficult for people with reduced mobility.

via google · 9/21/2025

A fascinating little village, you could imagine this village as it was a hundred years ago, apart from the ingress of cars and satellite dishes it probably hasn't changed a great deal... If you are able it's worth making your way to the top of the hill (Castell) a great view awaits you there in all directions, with the sea to the south and the mountains to the north west and the hills extending into the distance in other directions. At the very top of the hill you'll find a cemetery dating way back to the 1800's and before, with the majority of the tombs now empty it's a look into the past of how important their dead were. Just down from the top of the hill you'll find a little place to stop off for a drink or tapas, sandwiches, etc. The tiny streets are amazing and you can imagine how the majority of residents probably didn't leave the village for the most of their lives. Worth a visit if just for the views. Whilst there is a tiny car park nr the top of the hill you'll need a tiny vehicle to reach it with very narrow streets, some only a metre and a half wide don't say you weren't warned ! Easier to park further down and walk up, several car parks are signed as you enter the town central area, becoming harder to access the closer you get.

via google · 3/22/2025

What a fantastic little town / gem in the hills. We only managed to spot this place having looked at google maps and reviews. Perfect for a morning. We stopped for some tapas and a drink at the ‘Bar Castell’ again great. The young lad behind the bar was well travelled speaking great English!! Thank you

via google · 9/9/2024

Small ruin,mostly cemetery,which has been restored,but a nice walk up to the castle past the stations of the cross depicted in little grottos. Cafe at the top ,nice view from terrace,but very pricey for coffee.This a free site .

via google · 9/27/2023

Every time we have driven past this beautiful church and amazing landscape, we had promised to visit it. Today we did and it didn't fail to deliver on every level. What a beautiful church ⛪ cemetery and what absolutely stunning views from the top. The added bonus is the restaurant/cafe within 50 metres of the cemetery and tombs that are on view to the public. A must must visit. If you drive up then be extra careful as the streets are very narrow and the stone walls are very unforgiving on your car 🚗 👍👍👍👍👍

via google · 9/17/2019