Alcalà De Xivert: Templar Castle and Cultural Routes

In Alcalà de Xivert, historic buildings and cultural heritage routes with distinct themes take centre stage. The Templar castle, church, museums and wells tell different stories about the town’s past. To plan your trip, it helps to first consider whether you want to focus mainly on the castle and the Sierra de Irta, the historic buildings in town or a particular circular route.

Templar Castle and Landscape

The Castillo Templario de Xivert is located on the southwestern side of the Sierra de Irta and overlooks the plain and the sea. Its Arab and Christian sections are clearly distinct. These include an outer Arab wall and a Templar fortress. Recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural, the castle is a defining feature for anyone interested in Templar history and the town’s architectural history.

The Ermita de Santa Lucía y San Benito is also located in the Sierra de Irta. Built at the end of the 17th century, it follows the Valencian Baroque style. Its elevation is given as 312 metres. The hermitage’s viewpoint is considered one of the best in the province of Castellón.

Church, Museums and Local History

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista is recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Built between 1736 and 1766, it features Baroque and Neoclassical design. The Museo Parroquial is located inside the church. Its exhibits include oil paintings, decorative panels, goldsmithing works and historic liturgical ornaments.

The Casa del Metge is a small museum that recreates the former surgery and clinic of local doctor Ricardo Cardona. On display are original furniture, medical instruments, and personal belongings of Cardona and his family. As visiting arrangements may change, it is advisable to enquire in advance.

The Casa de Cultura is a Renaissance building that served as the town hall for centuries. A prison was located on the lower floor, and three pointed arches remain inside. This stop complements the religious and medical collections with insights into the former use of a public building.

The Alcalà de Xivert market opened in 1921 and traditionally takes place every Friday for locals and visitors. Check the date before your trip, as the day of the week may change. The celebrations in honour of Sant Antoni Abad traditionally take place on the weekend closest to 17 January. The customs include a bonfire, the blessing of animals and the distribution of Primetes; exact programme details may change.

Cultural Heritage Routes and Their Highlights

The PR-CV 432 Castell de Xivert i Corrals circular route is 25.75 kilometres long. It starts near Alcalà de Xivert, is approved by FEDME and follows marked tracks and paths to Castillo de Xivert. Check local route conditions and markings before setting out. The Ruta Herencia del Temple offers a different focus: this signposted circular walk takes you through the old town, explores Templar history and includes visits to the church and the interior of the bell tower. Dates and booking arrangements may change; check them in advance.

Other routes focus on specific elements of the cultural heritage. The Ruta de los Pozos passes historic wells, including the Pou Ample, dated to 1627, as well as other wells from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Ruta de les Capelletes is a cultural heritage circular route through the town and the mountainous area. Along the way, you’ll find devotional niches, mostly featuring polychrome ceramic panels. The routes therefore have distinct themes: historic wells on one, religious images and niches on the other.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Alcalà de Xivert-Alcossebre can be reached by car via the AP-7, exit 44, or the N-340. By train, it is connected by the Cercanías-Renfe C-5 line from Castellón or Valencia. Check transport connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Alcossebre, Zorita Del Maestrazgo, Peníscola, Fuentes De Ayódar, Fanzara, Portell De Morella, Moncófar, Puebla De Arenoso.

For the regional travel overview: Castellon.