The most surprising castles in the Valencian Community
Taking a trip to the Valencian Community is always a good idea, as these lands in eastern Spain are brimming with attractions. Beaches, charming villages, waterfalls, vibrant cities, and countless historic buildings like castles . Its many fortresses give us the opportunity to step back in time and admire their walls, battlements, and towers firsthand.
If our destination is Castellón, we'll see true architectural gems like Morella Castle, a monumental fortification located in the middle of a valley that was built using natural rock, giving it a privileged beauty. Its history spans from settlements in the Neolithic period well into the 20th century. Next, we'll delve into the Muslim legacy with the Santa Magdalena de Pulpis Castle, reconquered by James I in 1233 following the conquest of Peñíscola. It later passed into the hands of the Order of the Templars, and after its dissolution, it eventually belonged to the Order of Montesa.
Further south, in the foothills of the Sierra de Irta, we find the castle of Alcalá de Xivert . This Muslim fortification from the 10th and 11th centuries is made up of a citadel and a fortified village, where the western tower, built from adobe, and the south tower stand out. We can also enjoy the Onda Castle , known as the Castle of the 300 Towers, an imposing fortress of Muslim origin built between the 10th and 11th centuries. Over the centuries, it has played a relevant role in numerous conflicts and was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1967, and a National Monument and Site of Cultural Interest in 2004.
And finally, Peñíscola Castle, located on the highest point of the rock on which the old city stands. Also known as Papa Luna Castle, construction began in 1294 and was completed in 1307. Benedict XII spent his final years there, converting the castle into a papal palace between 1411 and 1423.
If you visit the province of Valencia, you'll discover fortresses that emerge between the sea and the mountains, bearing witness to centuries of history. Cullera Castle is a 10th-century Caliphate-era construction built on the remains of another Iberian-Roman structure. This complex consists of a group of five towers, a fortress, and two fortified enclosures.
Just a few kilometers away is Buñol Castle , located on two rocky outcrops overlooking the town and the entire Buñol basin. This 11th-century medieval castle, perfectly integrated into the town center, preserves Muslim and Christian elements, offering a beautiful tour of restored courtyards, walls, and towers.
In this province we will also find the Palau Ducal dels Borja , in Gandía, declared a Site of Cultural Interest since 1964. This palace was the residence of such illustrious figures as Duchess María Enríquez or San Francisco de Borja, whose family owned the monument since its acquisition by Pope Alexander VI in 1485.
AlicanteTo the south of the Valencian Community lies the province of Alicante, a destination acclaimed for its miles of beaches, but also a place to take refuge in history. Here, we can visit the Atalaya de Villena castle, a fortress built by the Almohad Empire during the 12th century as a refuge for the city's Muslim population. The interior wall and the first two floors of the imposing keep, with their vaults, date from this period.
An hour's walk away is Sax Castle . Located at the top of the town, it rises as an immense bastion 500 meters above sea level, from which we can enjoy wonderful views of Alto Vinalopó. As for its architectural style, it has an elongated floor plan, with two distinct areas: a single-story square adobe tower from the Almohad period, and to the southwest is the large keep, built at the beginning of the 14th century.
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