Plaza Portal de Elche (Warning: historical violence)

Welcome to Plaza Portal de Elche, a charming square filled with history and shade, thanks to its towering hundred-year-old ficus trees. The 19th-century kiosk, the inviting café terraces, and the peaceful atmosphere make this one of Alicante’s most beloved corners. Yet, before turning into this peaceful corner, the square went by a far less idyllic name, Plaza de las Horcas, or Gallows Square, because this is where public executions by hanging took place. Hanging was banned in Spain in 1811, but it was replaced by an even darker method, the garrote vil, introduced by Joseph Bonaparte, whom had been made king of Spain by his brother, Napoleon. The garrote, also known as the “strangling collar”, was a capital punishment device that strangled the condemned using an iron collar mounted to the back of a chair. This method traces back to ancient times, and was used in Spain until 1974. It was finally abolished after Franco’s death. Sorry for the grim digression. Back to lighter matters, in 1869, Plaza de las Horcas was renamed Portal de Elche, because it marked the start of the road leading to the nearby town of Elche. A fountain was added, and it became a vital water source and gathering spot for locals. The square’s name changed several times depending on who was in power. It’s been called Plaza of King Ferdinand VII, Constitution Square, and under Franco, Plaza del Generalísimo, which translates to “Square of the Supreme General.” The kiosk you see today is a reconstruction of the original, which was demolished in 1970.