El enclave litoral extramuros y su relación con la ciudad. El Puerto de Alicante y la Plaza del Mar

Abstract

The coastal cities of the Mediterranean, thanks to the intense maritime traffic and the traditional trade route, they acquired a large magnitude and importance from the 15th century. Its defensive fortifications, necessary for their protection, began to hinder his growth from the 17th century. In several cases the spaces generated between the walls and the sea itself move from being residual to gain importance in the future morphology and functionality of these cities. These enclaves between the fortifications and the coastal line have been historically important, above all for the control and development of the commercial activity. In them there were located buildings of diverse nature and importance, which have been disappearing with the passing of time and the change of function of these spaces. The evolution of the wall of Alicante is described, focusing especially on the Puerta del Mar, also known as Puerta del Muelle. It was part of the third walled area of Alicante, access to the city from the port and the coastal zone, and made customs checks of all the goods and travelers from Alicante port, as well as having the function of defensive fortification.