Ruins of an ancient fortress in the mountains by Adriana Mueller

About "Ruins of an ancient fortress in the mountains"

by Adriana Mueller

About the artwork

Ruins of a historic fortress meet a mountainous landscape near the Mediterranean coast. The former fortification called Fort de Bernia is located on the mountainside of the Sierra de Bernia. The well-preserved arches and remains of walls appear very romantic against the imposing mountain backdrop. In the background rise majestically the peaks of the mountains called Puig Campana, Monte Ponoig and Sierra de Aitana. The Sierra de Bernia, which is a popular hiking destination on the Costa Blanca in Spain with its ruins and steep cliffs, offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

The fortifications of Bernia were built in 1562. During the reign of Felipe II., the king commissioned his military engineer, Giovanni Battista Antonelli, to design this fortress. It is a military construction in the Italian Renaissance style. It has a rectangular floor plan with a pentagonal rampart. The fortress is about 819 meters above sea level. The location allows for excellent views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. It was part of a coastal surveillance system. In 1612, Felipe III. commissioned the demolition of the fortress of Bernia. Remains of the room arches, a cistern or the ditch that surrounded the fortress are still clearly visible.

My work is inspired by long hikes on remote mountain trails. When I reach historical places surrounded by nature after a long ascent and let my gaze wander into the distance, then the feelings of freedom and serenity are omnipresent. This mountain landscape is destined to bring some of the magic of the mountains and the timeless beauty of nature into your four walls.