Lucentum

Alicante


The ruins of the Roman town of Lucentum, a forerunner of Alicante, lie about 3km east of the centre in the locale of Tossal de Manises. Excavations have revealed a rich wealth of pottery. You can make out clearly defined streets as well as bathhouses, the forum, a large house with columned courtyard and various other dwellings. Bus 9 or 21 will get you here, or you could jump on the coastal tram.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Alicante attractions

1. Playa de San Juan

1.82 MILES

Northeast of the town, Playa de San Juan, easily reached by the tram (Costa Blanca stop), is larger and usually less crowded than the city beach.

2. Museo Arqueológico de Alicante

2.17 MILES

This museum has a strong collection of ceramics and Iberian art. Exhibits are displayed to give the visitor a very visual, high-tech experience, and it's…

4. Castillo de Santa Bárbara

2.41 MILES

There are sweeping views over the city from the ramparts of this large 16th-century castle, which houses a museum recounting the history of the city and…

5. Playa del Postiguet

2.42 MILES

Immediately northeast of the port is the attractively coloured sandy beach of Playa del Postiguet, Alicante's city beach. It gets packed in summer.

6. Basílica de Santa María

2.55 MILES

Flanked by twin towers, this old-town church's flamboyant, 18th-century baroque facade and ornate, gilded altarpiece contrast with the nave’s Gothic…

7. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante

2.55 MILES

This splendid museum, inside the 17th-century Casa de la Asegurada, has an excellent collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including works by Dalí, Miró…

8. Icarus

2.71 MILES

This splendid waterside bronze figure of a pin-headed Icarus bearing his wing (or is it a surfboard?) as he emerges from the water is by contemporary…