Santa Magdalena De Pulpis – Castillo de Polpís and Serra d’Irta

Santa Magdalena de Pulpis offers a multifaceted view of history, nature and local traditions.

History

Castillo de Polpís preserves Arab walls, an entrance protected by the Torre del Homenaje, a cistern, the remains of a square tower and remnants of the original settlement; it is classified as a Site of Cultural Interest. At an elevation of 431 metres, it stands above an earlier Arab alcazaba. Alterations by the Order of Calatrava and the Knights Templar in the 13th century shaped its present form.

The present-day urban settlement of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis developed after the inhabitants were relocated following the conquest from Castillo de Polpís to the plain at the foot of Monte Pulpis.

Nature and trails

The Serra d’Irta Nature Park includes Santa Magdalena de Pulpis and was declared a nature park in 2002. Within the nature park, the elevations of the Sierra generally range between 300 and 400 metres; three peaks exceed 500 metres. Along the coast there are 12 kilometres of sandy beaches as well as dune formations, rocky areas and steep cliffs.

The Serra d’Irta Nature Park has seven signposted hiking trails and three signposted cycling routes. “Route 1: ruta histórica de Sta. Magdalena” begins at the local church, passes through fields of dry farming and a ravine to Castillo de Polpís, and runs past two lime kilns and dense vegetation.

Route 2 leads over dry-stone terraces and dry-stone structures, with views of the Sierra de Irta, nearby towns and the sea, to the Ermita de Sant Antoni. The chapel dates from the 15th century and has a former hostel, stables, an arcaded square and a fountain. The area around the Ermita de Sant Antoni serves as a recreational space and is suitable for a day trip in direct contact with nature.

Route 3 runs through the water-rich area of Mas del Señor and continues to the “La caseta” recreation area, a replica of a shepherd’s hut built using dry-stone construction techniques.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, you can weigh up culture, nature trails, cycling routes and festival traditions as personal priorities. On the respective accommodation pages, check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions.

Architectural heritage in the town

The Iglesia parroquial de Santa Magdalena dates back to an earlier building erected in 1330. Construction of the present church began in 1860 and was completed and consecrated six years later; in 1863, the former Gothic chapel was converted into a chapel of communion.

The Iglesia parroquial de Santa Magdalena has a single longitudinal nave with side chapels and Ionic details. The freestanding square bell tower is topped by a small belfry covered with glazed ceramic, in the Valencian Baroque tradition.

The Torre de San Millán was built in 1848 and 1849 as part of the state optical telegraph network and designed by Don Juan María Mathé as a fortified tower with a defensive military character. In the municipal area of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, there are building forms characteristic of Baix Maestrat made from dry stone, including the Casa del Pastor in the Serra d’Irta.

Festivals and traditions

The festival of San Antonio Abad takes place every year on 17 January and is organised by Mayorales appointed each year; highlighted programme items include a bonfire and a procession. During the festival, typical pastries made by local residents are sampled; the festival activity known as the “gorra” is also part of the celebrations.

The Fiestas Patronales include verbenas, festive evening events with music and dancing, as well as bull-related events.

Getting there and cycling routes

Santa Magdalena de Pulpis can be reached from the province of Castellón and from the province of Tarragona via the N-340 and the AP-7. The “R09 - Peñíscola” circular cycling route passes through Santa Magdalena de Pulpis at kilometre 142, where an Arab-influenced castle and a Neoclassical church have been preserved. The “IR3. Irta totalmente” mountain-bike route leads from Peñíscola through the Sierra de Irta to Santa Magdalena de Pulpis.

More town pages

More town pages: Benasal, Castellnovo, Montán, Xilxes, Montanejos, Xert, Cabanes, Viver

To the main travel overview: Castellon.