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In Calpe there is proof of human settlements from long ago dating back to the Bronze Era. From then on, there are many historic episodes that this municipality has gone through, and from then until now Calpe has slowly but surely turned into an international tourist reference on the Costa Blanca of Alicante in Spain. The Iberians were the first recognized settlers in this area. They built their homes along the hillsides and elevated areas like that of Ifach Rock Natural Park, where they have found many remains. Tosal de Salinas is also another important archeological site from this era in the Costa Blanca, Spain.
After the Iberians, came the Roman Era, and just as it was happening in numerous spots of the Mediterrenean, Calpe became an important fishing port, it's tuna, and where they made Garum, the sauce extracted from tuna, was an authentic delight for the Romans and for this civilization.
With the Arabas came the first constrcutions such as the Calpe Castle. The Christians Reconquered Denia, and continued the repopulation of this area, with the evangelization of the inhabitants and expulsion of the muslims. Afterwards in the 13th century the locality of Ifach was built on the side of the Rock. This town was destroyed in the 14th century and where what today we know as the town of Calpe was born. After the destruction of Ifach Rock people ran to protect themselves in Calpe, and that is how they lifted the city.
With the city growth it's fortress walls worked as their defense, and did not let the Berber Pirates in during the 17th century. A century later, another fortress was built.
In the 19th and 20th century the final development of the city was produced. A brand new economy was born based on fishing, the salt marshes. This situation gave life to the town and made it grow in 1935. The Ifach lookout spot was inagurated that year as well. In the city the change process continued until the 50's where many people discovered the beauty here and decided to build villas, chalets, and hotels little by little. Calpe started changing it's ways and concentrated more on building tourist infrastructures, and started gaining momentum as it's source of income started heading towards tourism.
In the last 20-30 years, the evolution of Calpe has continued to grow and is now one of the most prosperous destinations in the Costa Blanca, Alicante, Spain. |