Castellón de la Plana - Castelló de la Plana (Castellón)

What you can do and see in Castellón de la Plana

Castellón is a Mediterranean city, with a mean temperature of 17°, closely tied to the sea. Its modern origins date back to the 13th century. Its position on the shore of the Mediterranean meant that its main purpose was precisely to increase maritime trade. Of the Middle Ages it preserves the layout of the streets in the old town and some buildings. The old town is not very large and it is very pleasant to stroll around it. The 15th century Palace of Sant Miquel is between the Exchange and the Main Square and very near it, between the co-cathedral and the Abbey House, is one of the symbols of the city: El Fadrí (the ‘single man’) a bell-tower from the late 16th century, with an octagonal floor plan, 58m high. It is unusual because it stands alone as a tower that is separate from the co-Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption. The co-Cathedral, which was first built in the 13th century, was rebuilt in the 14th century, although of that time only the three doors and some construction and ornamental elements remain, in a Gothic style.

Nearby, about 300m away, Tetuán Square is followed by Independence Square and the Ribalta Park, which together form a good sample of urban architecture in the late 19th century and early 20th century; for that reason they are designated as a historical-artistic centre.

However, the greatest influence of Castellón is without any doubt the Mediterranean. As well as the long beaches of Gurugú, Serradal and Castellón Pinewood, you can visit the Grao, the maritime district of Castellón and a tourist area full of restaurants where visitors can try the rice, fish and other typical dishes of Castellón, as well as the more common franchise fast food places.

Even though the Province of Castellón has eight first-class protected natural spaces, one of the most important natural parks in the province is in fact in the sea. This is the park of the Columbretes Islands, a small volcanic archipelago with restricted access about 60km from the coast, with unique flora and fauna. You can find abundant information about the islands and how to visit them in the Information Centre of the Natural Reserve.

You should not miss

• Travellers interested in History and Art can visit the Fine Arts Museum. In an 18th century building, it covers the archaeology of Castellón from its origins to the Middle Ages. It also displays an important sample of the famous Castellón ceramic tiles and an art exhibition with paintings (Ribera, Romero de Torres, Sorolla, etc.) and sculptures (Gandarias and Benlliure, among others)
• The Festival of the Magdalena begins on the third Sunday in Lent and continues until the following Sunday. Connected with the commemoration of the transfer of the populations from Fadrell to La Plana, it is a festival to be experienced outdoors: gaiatas or illuminated monuments are placed in the districts, while fireworks, dances and numerous concerts and cultural activities are held during those days.

Rev.: JGG 21.09.21