Historically, it formed part of the Encomienda de Les Coves de Vinromà, and as such, was ruled by Blasco de Alagón between 1235 and 1242. The town was subequently governed by the Templars. In the files and records of the Town Charter of Albocácer, it states that the town was originally known as Sierra de Biarach. During the first half of the 1600s, it went by the name of Sarratella de Biarach, and it doesn't receive the official name of Sarratella until the last third of this century. Sarratella's demographic markers have continued to grow throughout its history, breaking the 700 inhabitant mark in the early 20th century. Thereafter, however, the population has been steadily declining, and currently only 93 people are registered as living in the town. Prehistoric groups were attracted to the place due to its location and the nature of the land. An Epipaleothic settlement existed up by the hill, where the hermitage is located. In addition, cave paintings that form part of the corpus of Levantine Rock Art, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have been found in various parts of the district.
The economic life of the town revolves around agriculture and livestock. Agriculture is traditionally based on rainfed farming, with a predominance of olive and almond crops. In terms of livestock, the bulk is made up of pasture and pig and poultry farms. What little industry exists is related to agriculture and oil.
Sarratella is a small village and is therefore easy to walk around. While strolling around its streets, you can admire the harmony between its houses, the tranquility of the people and the dark green backdrop of the mountains, which you can see from virtually any part of the village. Despite being a relatively small village, it boasts a fair few places of interest. These include the old furnace building, with clear Medieval features. The stream is located in the lower reaches of the village, and is home to a fountain, a watering hole and public washing spaces in its surroundings. The Town Hall, opened in 1958, features a series of porches that separate the part for public use from the part that formerly belonged to the council during the Middle Ages. Visit the San Juan hermitage and the San Miguel church, where you can admire the altar and its green velvet frontal, which depicts Saint Michael battling against the Devil.
It has an extremely rugged, hilly landscape, which provides stunning views of the sea. It is dominated by oaks and scented scrubs, with rosemary, thyme, lavender and many other aromatic plants. The weather is cool and pleasant in summer, in contrast to the cold winters. The village rises up around 800 metres above sea level, although the highest point in the district lies at 937 metres, where the San Juan Nepomuceno hermitage is located, offering up an unbeatable panorama over the surroundings.
Economy
The economic life of the town revolves around agriculture and livestock. Agriculture is traditionally based on rainfed farming, with a predominance of olive and almond crops. In terms of livestock, the bulk is made up of pasture and pig and poultry farms. What little industry exists is related to agriculture and oil.
What to see
Sarratella is a small village and is therefore easy to walk around. While strolling around its streets, you can admire the harmony between its houses, the tranquility of the people and the dark green backdrop of the mountains, which you can see from virtually any part of the village. Despite being a relatively small village, it boasts a fair few places of interest. These include the old furnace building, with clear Medieval features. The stream is located in the lower reaches of the village, and is home to a fountain, a watering hole and public washing spaces in its surroundings. The Town Hall, opened in 1958, features a series of porches that separate the part for public use from the part that formerly belonged to the council during the Middle Ages. Visit the San Juan hermitage and the San Miguel church, where you can admire the altar and its green velvet frontal, which depicts Saint Michael battling against the Devil.
Landscape
It has an extremely rugged, hilly landscape, which provides stunning views of the sea. It is dominated by oaks and scented scrubs, with rosemary, thyme, lavender and many other aromatic plants. The weather is cool and pleasant in summer, in contrast to the cold winters. The village rises up around 800 metres above sea level, although the highest point in the district lies at 937 metres, where the San Juan Nepomuceno hermitage is located, offering up an unbeatable panorama over the surroundings.
