Castell Vell Itinerary

The Castell Vell is a fort of Andalusian origin. It was head of the district until the conquest by King James I in 1233, who divided the territory between Almassora and Castelló. Granting its inhabitants the Privilege of Moving in 1251 became the origin of the city of Castelló, a fact which has been remembered annually in the “Romeria de les Canyes” (Pilgrimage of the Canes) since 1375.

It is divided into three independent areas enclosed by walls: the citadel, the albacara (small enclosed space for cattle) and the settlement. This was the typical layout of Andalusian castles or husūn which, from the Taifa period (Muslim occupation) in the 11th century until the Christian conquest, had acted as administrati-ve centres of their respective military districts or aqālim.

Hypothetical reconstruction of Castell Vell: (A) citadel, (B) albacara and (C) settlement.

Walled enclosure located between the citadel and the settlement. This is a barren area regarded as a temporary refuge for people who lived in nearby farmhouses and their cattle. In the case of Castell Vell, the presence of rectangular rooms beside the walls indicates that it could also have been used for storage.

Located in the highest part of the castle, it boasts a powerful wall with four circular towers and a pentagonal one. It has two entrance points: a main gate with a 90º bend from the albacara, and a secondary postern opening in the north wall. Inside the remains of some cisterns and houses have been preserved. It is where the mayor and the other officials used to live.

A house of the late 12th century and early 13th century. It reflects the typical style of Andalusian houses where the central courtyard acted as the hub of the different domestic areas. The presence of stairs indicates that there must have been an upper floor. It was discovered by J. F. Porcar and, later on, partially excavated by A. Bazzana using archaeological methodology.

The strategic location of the Castell Vell in the hill of La Magdalena allowed visual communication with all the farmhouses of its military district (iqlīm), which extended from the Mijares river to the Desierto de las Palmas mountain range. It was also connected with other neighbouring castles, such as the one in Almenara, La Vilavella, Castro (Alfondeguilla) and Benicàssim.