The imposing Castellón castle, which was under Templar rule and offers unique views.

The historic region of El Maestrazgo stretches across the north of Castellón province and the southeast of Teruel , offering a perfect destination for relaxing. In these lands, you'll find picturesque villages (some of them among the most beautiful in Spain), traditional cuisine featuring quality local products, and beautiful landscapes perfect for hiking.

And of course, it's not lacking in its dose of history. Many centuries-old buildings decorate the region, such as the Alcalà de Xivert Castle , located in the town of the same name in the province of Castellón. This building, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, will take us back in time, while offering unique views of the surrounding area.

Living history in El Maestrazgo

A stroll through Alcalà de Xivert will reveal some gems, such as the 68-meter-high Bell Tower ; the Valencian Baroque-classicist Church of San Juan Bautista; the 18th-century Chapel of the Virgen de los Desamparados; the Renaissance Casa de la Cultura building; and the Baroque Hermitage of Calvario.

However, the jewel in the crown is its castle , located in the southwestern foothills of the Sierra de Irta. This fortress of Muslim origin dates back to the late 11th and early 12th centuries, although with the subsequent reconquest by Christian forces, commanded by the Order of the Temple , it underwent several modifications. For example, under Catholic rule, the wall that separates the fortification from the town was erected, as well as the twin circular towers and the ashlar walls.

This is the Castle of Alcalà de Xivert

The castle complex, which occupies approximately 8,000 square meters , is divided into three zones. The first is the citadel , the highest part and home to the political and military headquarters. Next, the albacar (fortress), the walled area where the population and their livestock took refuge in the event of war. Finally, the aljama ( settlement), or village, extends along the southeastern slope of the mountain.

The fortification itself includes the main tower , the Gothic chapel, the twin towers, the western tower, and the Gothic cistern . As a whole, the Alcalà de Xivert Castle allows us to appreciate a unique work of architecture from the period, taking a journey back in time and immersing us in the daily life of a medieval fortress.

Furthermore, we mustn't forget that its privileged location offers unique views of the surrounding landscapes. There, high in the mountains, we'll contemplate a vast plain bordered by mountains and filled with vegetation and cultivated fields, stretching all the way to the sea.

How to get to Alcalà de Xivert

The drive from Castellón to Alcalà de Xivert takes approximately 40 minutes via the AP-7. From the town center, it's another 15-minute drive to reach the castle via Camí del Castell.