Many civilizations in Altea
A hill near a safe water source was an ideal place of settlement in prehistoric times. That is why it was populated by Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, who have left some traces.
The Muslim invasion of 711 changed the ownership of the land, maintaining some traditions of that fortified farmhouse. From the 11th century the place depended on the Taifa kingdom of Denia.
In 1244, on behalf of King Jaume I the Conqueror of Aragon, the knight Bernardo de Abella conquered Altea. That same year the Treaty of Almizra was signed. Thus, the limits between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were established and Altea was awarded to the latter.
Complicated situation between Muslims and Christians
The relationship between the Mudejars and their new Christian lords and with the colonists was, from the beginning, very difficult. The town was destroyed four years later by the rebellion of Al-Azraq (Blue Eyes), the Mudejar chieftain who took control of the area.
The surrender document signed by Al-Azraq stipulated that he would hand over the castle and town of Altea to his brother Bicem. Therefore, the population would continue to be governed by a Muslim. In 1270 the territory was again directly administered by the Crown of Aragon.
King Peter III grants it the Town Charter in 1279. In 1526 Altea is sacked by Berber corsairs. In 1529, 1546 and 1584 there were further landings and looting in the surrounding area, but without occupying the fortress. After that, in 1597 a modern wall is built, which manages to deter further incursions.
War
At the beginning of the War of Succession, Altea declared itself in rebellion against Philip V, proclaiming the Archduke of Austria king. In August 1705 the English troops landed there and then attacked Valencia. Throughout the 18th century it remained in the hands of the Palafox family.
At this time, as the danger of the Berber corsairs diminished, the castle was demolished. This, together with the agricultural, fishing, commercial and demographic boom, led in the 19th century to the official and commercial life being moved from the fortified hill to the growing urban centre on the seashore.
A cultural centre
From 1920, Altea attracted many artists such as Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Benjamín Palencia, Eberhard Schlotter and Toni Miró. They decorated houses and restaurants, made posters for local festivals and promoted the opening of art galleries.
The cultivated atmosphere and the flow of visitors and buyers, which was generated over the years, led to the establishment of the Palau de la Artes and the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University Miguel Hernández in this municipality.