ALICANTE

provincia, in Valencia comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), southeastern Spain. It was formed in 1833 from parts of the historical provincias of Valencia and Murcia. The barren mountain terrain of the north and northwest stands in contrast to the densely populated southern fertile coastal plain, which is watered by the Segura River. The provincia's principal products are wines and liquors, fruits, vegetables, and fish. Locally produced almonds and turrones (nougat) have made the names of Alicante (q.v.; the provincial capital) and the towns of Alcoy and Jijona well known. The salt industry at Torrevieja is the largest in Spain. The tourist trade has also become very important; Denia, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, and Alicante are well-known summer and winter resorts of the Costa Blanca (part of the Spanish Mediterranean coast). Area 2,264 square miles (5,863 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 1,255,130. port city, capital of Alicante provincia, in Valencia comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), southeastern Spain. It is located on Alicante Bay of the Mediterranean Sea. Founded as Akra-Leuka (White Summit) by Phocaean Greeks (from the west coast of Asia Minor) in 325 BC, the city was captured in 201 BC by the Romans, who called it Lucentum. Under Moorish domination, which lasted from 718 to 1249, it was called al-Akant. It was later incorporated into the kingdom of Aragon and was besieged by the French in 1709 and by the Federalists of Cartagena in 1873. The city is dominated by Benacantil Hill (721 feet ) and the citadel of Santa Brbara (1,000 feet ), the earliest foundations of which date from 230 BC. Arrabal Roig, the old quarter, overlooks the bay from heights known as the Balcn del Mediterrneo. Notable landmarks in Alicante include the Baroque town hall (170160), the Church of Santa Mara (14th century), and the Renaissance collegiate church of San Nicols de Bari (18th century). Alicante serves as the commercial port of Madrid and has excellent road, rail, and air transportation facilities. Wine, raisins, vegetables, and esparto grass (all exported) and tomatoes, bricks, cigarettes, aluminum utensils, furniture, and embroideries are its main products. Its mild climate makes it a winter resort, and the beaches of the Costa Blanca (part of the Mediterranean coast) attract tourists. Pop. (1992 est.) 266,542.