Akra Leuka was the original name for Alicante before the Romans arrival in 215 BC. The area, being close to the Mediterranean, was seen to be trading with Greece, Phonecia, and Tartessos a southern Iberian city.The culture became known as Contestano by Pliny the Elder and Strabo because of this unique mixture. The archaeologist have found a number of Cartheginian architectural features present in the ruins.

The town was refounded by Publius Cornelius Scipio durning one of the Punic Wars and renamed Lucentum. In this period the Roman character of the town is exemplified by the baths, forums, temples, and sewers which have been found there by the archaeologist.

Lucentum reached its golden era during the Roman occupation between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. After this period the city fell into decline and was abandoned in the start of the 2nd century. This was the result of IIici (modern day Elche, a neighboring city having better water and land communications. As a result the trade that was once enjoyed by Lucentum moved to IIici and the site was completely abandoned. During the 10th century the site was used as a Muslim cemetery for at least the next one hundred years.

In present day Alicante one can visit the archaeological site covering at least 30,000m2. During a visit here one can view what is left of the fortifying wall and pre-Roman defensive towers foundations, the baths, the forum, a number of houses, and part of the Muslim necropolis. The archaeologist are in the process of excavating the Tossal de Manisses in the hope of increasing the importance and size of the site in order that more of the site will be preserved.

The Santa Maria Church was first a mosque that was destroyed in a fire. The building was re-built back in the 15th century becoming the stunning Santa Maria Church with its famous altar and Bautismo Chapels.

If you are planning on visiting Alicante on your holiday this year, then make sure to check out the Santa Maria Church while you are there. Take in the stunning architecture and Spanish-looking gothic design to do something a little different while on holiday this year. Villamartin is only 45 minutes away so a great day trip from any holiday apartment in the Orihuela Costa.