If you like Alicante’s heritage buildings, get a deeper sense of the region’s history at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Alicante, MARQ). This museum won the 2004 European Museum of the Year Award and serves as both a centre for archaeological research and a place for educating interested visitors.
Learn how archaeologists explore the Alicante area and find out what they have discovered during their studies. Eight distinct exhibitions in the permanent collection plus several temporary exhibitions mean you could spend an entire afternoon exploring this museum. Bring the kids, who will be engaged by the interactive exhibits. Don’t worry about a language gap, because all text is provided in both English and Spanish.
The first three rooms of the museum give an introduction to archaeology. Here, learn the processes of underwater, urban and field archaeology. Three local digs, including Lucentum, Petracos and Illeta, are presented as case studies.Now that you’ve become a beginner archaeologist, tour the next five rooms. You’ll get lessons in Alicante geography and history, from its prehistory through the Middle Ages. Move into the last room to see how the history of the region has influenced how Alicante looks today.
Use the multimedia exhibits to get the full experience of the museum. “Interact” with past residents of the city through a virtual game to see how Alicante has changed over the centuries. Although academic in its nature, the museum will even interest guests who are not well versed in Spain’s history. Kids will love playing with and learning from the stimulating exhibits.
Take the tram to the Archaeological Museum, which lies just outside the Alicante city centre and is served by its own tram stop. Parking is available for those who are arriving by car. The museum is closed on Mondays. There is a fee to enter.
