The Arabic Fadrell castle in the foothills of the Sierra del Desert mountain range, along with the Alquerías de La Plana, were the first shelters built by the city’s founders. The city was conquered by James I in 1233.
Castellón was officially established on the 8th of September, 1251, in Lleida, where James I granted his royal permission to move the city from the mountain to the plain. This transition traditionally is believed to have occurred on the third Sunday of Lent in 1252. In the Middle Ages, the city was protected with moats, walls, and towers; these walls were demolished in the 19th century. In 1833, when the permanent boundaries of the province were established, Castellón de la Plana became the capital of the present-day region.
Currently, Castellón is a city on the rise, with high-quality industry and handicrafts and a modern university campus.
Economy
In addition to boasting a diversified economy, the city also features attractive geographical variety, and proudly celebrates its location on the Mediterranean Sea. It is also known for the oranges which grow in its fertile orchards.
What to see
The city’s centre extends out from the Plaza Mayor (central square) and includes the Santa MarÍa cathedral, El Fadrí bell tower, Town Hall, and Central Market.
TOther points of interest are the San Agustín church (dating from the 17th and 18th centuries); several historic mansions including the Orfens’ House, the Miquels’ House, and the Town Baron’s House; and buildings including the Casino Antiguo (social club), Post Office, Francisco Ribalta Secondary School and the Diputación Provincial (county council). One must not leave without visiting the Ribalta Park, the Mare de Déu del Lledó Basilica nor the Capuchine Nuns convent.
Landscape
The region contains two types of scenery. The coast features warm beaches with fine sand and numerous hotel accommodations. Noteworthy beaches include El Pinar beach to the north along with the nearby El Pinar National Parkand and the Gurugú and Serradal beaches. Also worth visiting are the Columbretes Islands, 14 small islets of volcanic origin, which have been declared a Protected National Park and are located 30 miles from El Grau.
A different type of scenery can be found in the northern part of the region, where foothills extend from the Serralada de les Palmes mountain range. Notable peaks include Roca Blanca, Magdalena, Jonquera, and especially the 1,813-meter-high Pico de Penyagolosa.
