The walls of Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante are housing a hidden cultural gem this summer, making the historic fortress an essential destination for fans of the famous illustrated comic book series. A brand new exhibition titled “The young reporter and his adventures at Santa Barbara Castle” has officially opened in the landmark’s Taberna room, offering visitors a unique journey through one of the most universally recognised universes in comic history.
The exhibition features more than 300 figures, original comic books, iconic scenes, and rare collectors’ items. All the pieces on display have been sourced from the extensive private collection of Enrique Lucas, who accumulated the items over several decades. What began as a personal passion inspired by reading the Tintin albums as a child eventually grew into Spain’s largest collection of memorabilia dedicated to the legendary Belgian character created by Hergé.
The Tourism Councillor for Alicante, Ana Poquet, toured the exhibition alongside Lucas and highlighted its significance for both local residents and tourists. She described the display as a genuine treasure waiting to be discovered, noting that it provides a wonderful opportunity for adults to reminisce about the iconic reporter’s adventures whilst introducing younger generations to these essential literary characters.
The display is carefully curated into four distinct themed areas. Visitors can explore “The Imaginary Museum of Tintin”, admire a rare 1972 Christmas greeting card piece, and view meticulously detailed vehicle models including Captain Haddock’s convertible car and the iconic Lunar Jeep. The collection features a wide variety of items ranging from intricate lead figurines to large-scale representations of key characters like Captain Haddock and Tintin himself alongside his loyal dog Snowy.
According to the collector, the main motivation for bringing the items to the castle was to share his passion with the public, noting that a true collection is never truly finished and is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. The arrival of the exhibition at the fortress marks a significant boost for the cultural programme of Alicante, transforming the venue from a spectacular Mediterranean viewing point into a dynamic, evolving cultural space. The Tintin exhibition will remain open to the public at the Alicante fortress until January 2027.
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