The earliest traces of settlement go back to the Valencian Bronze age. Particularly noteworthy from the Ibero-Roman era is the fascinating Mas de Vito site, which shows what would have been a farm in those times. The modern-day site seems to have developed from a centre of population of Arabic origin. Conquered from the Moors by Peter II of Aragon, the settlement of the land by Christians was not complete until James I of Aragon ceded Rossell to the Order of the Hospital, a Town Charter being granted in 1237.
The town has gone from an agricultural economy based on olive and wheat farming, now abandoned, to a mixed economy based on agriculture and industry, in which the latter accounts for the bulk of most families' income. Olives are the main crop, occupying the majority of the agricultural land, followed, at a great distance, by almonds. There are two olive oil cooperatives and a mill. Those members of the population who work exclusively in agriculture tend to raise extra money through pig, poultry and rabbit farming. For most of the population, agriculture is a secondary activity to which they dedicate only whatever free time they are left with after finishing their day jobs. The main economic activity consists of working in industries either in the town itself, or in the neighbouring town of Sènia. In Rossell there are factories dedicated to furniture accessories, chairs and sportswear, as well as a meat products factory.
From the square you can enjoy an interesting walk along the streets of the town. Be sure to visit the Font de Baix spring, just outside the town.
The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and relatively moderate summers. Though, when the north wind blows into the town, boy does it blow hard. Three main rivers run through the territory. These are:
- The river Sénia, with continuous flow throughout the year. It demarcates the municipal district and forms the boundary between Valencia and Catalonia.
- The river Requena, with a non-continuous flow, which passes through the surroundings of the town.
- The river Sèrvol, with a non-continuous flow. It marks the southern boundary of the municipality. The town can be split into three main areas:
* Les cases del Riu (riverside houses): located around 12 km from Rossell, near the village of Sénia and by the river of the same name.
* Bel: located around 12 km from Rossell, in the heart of the mountains. Until recently it formed an independent municipality, but gradual depopulation led to its being made part of Rosell. It is now used as a weekend and summer residence by many of its former inhabitants.
* Rossell: The largest of the towns, where the majority of the people and services are concentrated.
Economy
The town has gone from an agricultural economy based on olive and wheat farming, now abandoned, to a mixed economy based on agriculture and industry, in which the latter accounts for the bulk of most families' income. Olives are the main crop, occupying the majority of the agricultural land, followed, at a great distance, by almonds. There are two olive oil cooperatives and a mill. Those members of the population who work exclusively in agriculture tend to raise extra money through pig, poultry and rabbit farming. For most of the population, agriculture is a secondary activity to which they dedicate only whatever free time they are left with after finishing their day jobs. The main economic activity consists of working in industries either in the town itself, or in the neighbouring town of Sènia. In Rossell there are factories dedicated to furniture accessories, chairs and sportswear, as well as a meat products factory.
What to see
From the square you can enjoy an interesting walk along the streets of the town. Be sure to visit the Font de Baix spring, just outside the town.
Landscape
The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and relatively moderate summers. Though, when the north wind blows into the town, boy does it blow hard. Three main rivers run through the territory. These are:
- The river Sénia, with continuous flow throughout the year. It demarcates the municipal district and forms the boundary between Valencia and Catalonia.
- The river Requena, with a non-continuous flow, which passes through the surroundings of the town.
- The river Sèrvol, with a non-continuous flow. It marks the southern boundary of the municipality. The town can be split into three main areas:
* Les cases del Riu (riverside houses): located around 12 km from Rossell, near the village of Sénia and by the river of the same name.
* Bel: located around 12 km from Rossell, in the heart of the mountains. Until recently it formed an independent municipality, but gradual depopulation led to its being made part of Rosell. It is now used as a weekend and summer residence by many of its former inhabitants.
* Rossell: The largest of the towns, where the majority of the people and services are concentrated.
