Castillo de Xivert

The Castle of Xivert stands on the ridge between the town of Alcalá de Chivert and the Alcossebre coast. What you see today combines two phases: an Islamic enclosure of rammed-earth walls built between the 10th and 11th centuries and the fortress the Knights Templar raised in the 13th century after the Christian conquest.

History

The Islamic castle guarded the route between the coast and the inland Maestrazgo. After 1234 it passed to the Templars, who strengthened walls and quarters, and later to the Order of Montesa. It was abandoned in the early modern period, when people settled on the plain and by the sea.

What to see

Walk the rammed-earth curtain walls, the remains of the Templar enclosure and the upper courtyard, with views over Alcossebre and the inland ridges. The climb follows a track and footpath from the plain, so wear closed shoes and bring water.

• Combine your visit with the church of San Juan, in the town centre.
• The Ebrí and Cap i Corb The Ebrí and Cap i Corb coastal towers complete the defensive system of the municipality. of the municipality.