Alicante is the most important city of the province of Alicante. Its population is over 350.000. Mount Benacantil, at a height of 169 meters above sea level, dominates the urban part of Alicante. It is surrounded by one of the largest medieval fortress in Spain, built in the ninth century by Muslims. The Castle of Santa Bárbara stands on the top of the mount and is considered to be one of the symbols of the city. Over the time, the Castle has become the most visited site where the best panoramic views of the town can be found.