Just 25 kilometers north of Valencia is the interesting town of Sagunto. Its ancient fortress, located on the top of the hill of the same name, attracts tourists passing by, and those who are not too lazy to climb its top will be treated to a stunning view of the city and its surroundings.
Attractions
The most striking object of the city is a huge ancient fortress, consisting of sections built at different times. Today it is divided into two main parts: Almenara and Alcazaba. The first walls were built by the Iberians. The Romans restored the buildings destroyed by Hannibal, laid out the Santa Maria Magdalena square, built a forum, and cut a well in the rock. Since 1931, the Castillo Sagunto complex has been included in the register of national monuments. The fortress houses the Archaeological Museum, next to it is an ancient amphitheater, where performances are held. Other historical sites of interest include the Jewish Quarter, the Town Hall (18th century), the Gothic Church of Santa Maria; the city's industrial monument is the El Horno Alto blast furnace.
Beaches
To the north of the port, a strip of beaches stretches for 13 miles of coastline: Puerto Sagunto, Playa de Almarda, Corinto and Malvarosa. There is a shallow bottom here, natural dunes with white sand. Sagunto's beaches have been awarded the "blue flag" for their excellent condition.
Events, festivals and activities
Sagunto hosts traditional Spanish festivals throughout the year. In March, the city hosts a bright fiery carnival, Las Fallas. Easter week is celebrated on a grand scale: religious processions move through the streets, and concerts of sacred music are heard in churches. The historical festival "Moors and Christians" is held here in October. The day of the patron saints of Sagunto, the martyrs Abdon and Senen, is celebrated by the townspeople in the second half of July; the feast in honor of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in the first decade of September. From July to mid-August, sports competitions and water shows are held in the port area of Sagunto. Restaurants and nightlife are concentrated along the promenade of Puerto de Sagunto.
