Sax (, locally: . ) is a municipality in the comarca of Alt Vinalopó, province of Alicante, Valencian Community.

Toponymy The origin of the name Sax is uncertain, although it has been related to the Latin term saxum (rock), due to the pointed rocky mass on which its castle stands, and around which the town appeared. The term has also been related to the Segisa that Ptolemy located in Bastetania. It is possible that during the Roman period there was an establishment or inn in Sax next to the Via Augusta. The current pronunciation is /saks/ although traditionally it was /sax/, as confirmed by the gentilic name Sajeño.

History There are archaeological findings in the area dating to the Bronze Age, as well as an Iberian necropolis and remains of Roman villas.

In the later stages of the Reconquista, Sax was at the focus of tensions between Castile and Aragon, since James I of Aragon conquered it from the Moors though it should have been reserved to Castile under the treaties of Tudilén and Cazorla.

Notable people Alberto Sols García (1917–1989), biochemist, born in Sax

Main sights Castle, one of three main fortress in the comarca together with those clnerthera of Villena and Biar. The base of one of the towers is perhaps Roman, while the other is of Moorish origin (10th–12th century) Church of the Assumption (16th century) Casa Fnek, a modern art museum located in an abandoned house

See also Route of the Castles of Vinalopó

References

External links

Official website Comparsa de Alagoneses El Castillo de Sax . Study Association. tour of the castle