Santa Pola Castle, known locally as Castillo Fortaleza de Santa Pola, is located in the center of the town of Santa Pola.
It was built in 1557. Its function was to defend and protect the local fishermen from pirate attacks who landed on the coast and destroyed and plundered towns and rural settlements, taking the inhabitants as slaves.
At the end of the 18th century, the castle of Santa Pola was dilapidated due to frequent pirate attacks. It was restored and became the property of the Spanish Crown.
In 1855 the War Ministry issued a demolition order for the castle because it had lost its military function. The execution of this order was prevented by the mayor of the city. The castle was then handed over to the municipality. The castle was rebuilt and made suitable for civilian use; it became a town hall. The bell tower above the western entrance also dates from that time.
Santa Pola Castle remained a town hall until the 1980s. It now houses a chapel, 2 museums and is used as a venue for cultural events.