Alcalá de Xivert Castle (Castellón, Valencian Community)

Alcalá de Xivert

Castellón-Castelló

Alcalà de Xivert is located within the historic land of El Maestrazgo, to the north of the province of Castellon.

This city, which is sheltered by the natural shield provided by Sierra de Irta, and stretches along an alluvial plain, reaches the sea at the tourist beaches of Las Fuentes, Alcossebre, and Cap i Corb. Dominating the historic quarter we have the Tower of Campanario, which stands 58 metres high. This monumental work, built in the 18th century, is attached to the classicist Valencian-Baroque church of San Juan Bautista. The Parish Museum exhibits a valuable collection of painting and precious metalwork. The Order of Montesa, which managed these lands during the Middle Ages by order of King James II, left its particular mark on the castle of Xivert, a fortress erected at the heart of Sierra de Irta. Other interesting monuments include the chapel of la Virgen de los Desamparados (18th century), the Renaissance building that Houses the Arts Centre, and the Baroque hermitage of Calvario, to name a few. The shoreline of Alcalá offers excellent beaches at Alcossebre, and nautical facilities, such as Las Fuentes Marina. The area still preserves a few defence towers, such as the one at Cap i Corb. A few kilometres away from the city we find the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Nature Reserve, one of the most important wetlands in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, and Peñíscola, a picturesque tourist town in Costa Azahar.