Alcalà de Xivert: Castle, Sierra de Irta and Cultural Heritage

In Alcalà de Xivert, Xivert Templar Castle is located on the southwestern side of the Sierra de Irta and overlooks the plain and the sea. The 25.75-kilometre circular route PR-CV 432 Castell de Xivert i Corrals leads to the castle. It begins near Alcalà de Xivert, is approved by FEDME and follows marked roads and paths to Xivert Castle.

Nature

The Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benito is located in the Sierra de Irta at an altitude of 312 metres. The building was constructed at the end of the 17th century and follows the Valencian Baroque style. The associated viewpoint is considered one of the best viewpoints in the entire province of Castellón.

History

Xivert Templar Castle is recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Clearly distinct Arab and Christian areas have been preserved within the complex, including an outer Arab wall and a Templar fortress.

The Casa de Cultura is located in a Renaissance building that served as a chapter house for centuries. There was a prison on the lower floor; three pointed arches have been preserved inside. The Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista is also recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It was built between 1736 and 1766 and designed in the Baroque-Classical style.

Culture

Inside the church, the Museo Parroquial displays oil paintings, decorative panels, goldsmiths’ work and historic liturgical ornaments. The Casa del Metge is a small museum that recreates the former practice and clinic of the local doctor Ricardo Cardona. Original furniture, medical instruments and personal belongings of the doctor and his family are on display.

The Alcalà de Xivert market opened in 1921 and continues to take place traditionally every Friday for locals and visitors. The festivities in honour of Sant Antoni Abad are traditionally celebrated on the weekend closest to 17 January. The celebration includes a bonfire, the blessing of animals and the distribution of Primetes.

Paths and Circular Walks

The Ruta Herencia del Temple is a signposted walk through the old town of Alcalà de Xivert. It focuses on the history of the Templars and includes visits to the church and the inside of the bell tower. The Ruta de los Pozos passes historic wells in Alcalà de Xivert, including the Pou Ample, dated 1627, as well as other wells from the 18th and 19th centuries.

As a cultural heritage trail, the Ruta de les Capelletes passes through the town and the mountainous area. Along its route are roadside shrines with predominantly polychrome ceramic panels. The different circular walks can be compared according to their historical theme, connection to the town and proportion of landscape.

Other places available for exploration include Alcossebre, Arañuel, Alcudia de Veo, Vall De Almonacid, Castellnovo, Onda, Vall D'alba and Coll D'ares.

Getting There

Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre can be reached by car via the AP-7, exit 44, or the N-340. By train, there is a connection via the Cercanías-Renfe C-5 line from Castellón or Valencia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.