Sant Jordi – Culture, Nature and Holiday Apartment

There are more than 250 catalogued ancient olive trees in Sant Jordi; they are particularly concentrated in Els Muntells and Mas Na Cabanes.

Culture

The Iglesia Parroquial houses a Baroque organ with 1,475 pipes. It was inaugurated in 1784, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and consequently rendered unusable. Construction of the Iglesia Parroquial de San Jaime began in 1736 under the direction of Juan Barceló; the building work, including the bell tower, was completed in 1759.

The Iglesia Medieval / Hostal is the oldest surviving building in Sant Jordi; its first known mention dates from 1387. In 1825, the historic building was converted into an inn and remained in operation as a hostal until the middle of the 20th century.

Casa de l’Americà is a typical building in the so-called “Indian” style from the beginning of the 20th century. It was built by a young couple from Sant Jordi who had emigrated to Venezuela; the house was inaugurated in 1913.

The Sant Jordi patron-saint festivities take place between 23 April, with a procession and mass in honour of Sant Jordi, and 1 May. They include the pilgrimage to the Real Santuario de la Virgen de la Font de la Salut de Traiguera, a sung mass, a concert by the local brass band and the preparation of the typical “Calderes d’Arròs” for residents and visitors.

During Holy Week, the Calvario is one of the three main settings for the “Vía Crucis” and “El Santo Entierro” processions in Sant Jordi. The Calvario also houses a small botanical garden with plants typical of the Mediterranean region.

The Mostra d'Oficis Tradicionals is accompanied by music and activities for the whole family. The sculpture “Cultura y Tradición” is made of steel and depicts a traditionally dressed woman dancing the Jota. At the family workshop Taller Ferr, local craft knowledge has been passed down over the years; unique works are created there.

Nature

Most of Sant Jordi’s ancient olive trees belong to the Farga variety, which is known for producing high-quality oil with good keeping properties.

The Paraje Natural Municipal Bovalar de Sant Jordi municipal nature area covers 27.38 hectares and was designated as a municipal nature area on 23 June 2006. Bovalar offers sweeping views from the mountains of Els Ports and Tinença to the coast and includes three historic lime kilns of ethnological interest.

Routes and Activities

The Ruta de los Artistas begins at Avenida José Soriano Ramos and ends at Fossar Vell, where the “Cultura y Tradición” sculpture is located. The route takes approximately 45 minutes and passes several points of interest through the old town of Sant Jordi.

Sant Jordi’s official hiking trails begin at Plaça Major and include routes of 8, 10.5, 14 and 18 kilometres. A 30.2-kilometre stage leads from Sant Jordi via La Jana to Traiguera. The different lengths make it possible to compare the hiking routes directly for personal planning.

Sant Jordi offers free facilities for washing and repairing bicycles near the cemetery in the town centre and near the entrance to the Urbanización Panorámica Golf.

Golf

Panorámica Golf features an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Bernhard Langer, with lakes and centuries-old olive trees; it is open year-round and designed for players of all skill levels.

Pitch & Putt Sant Jordi features an 18-hole par-3 course with holes ranging from 60 to 110 metres and four large lakes.

Other places: Vall D'alba, Sarratella, Pina De Montalgrao, Coll D'ares, Cirat, Figueroles, La Pobla De Benifassà, Benasal

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.