The Valencian Community has some of the most historic enclaves on the Iberian Peninsula. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and its characteristic climate, hot in summer and mild in winter, have defined the Community as a ideal territory for the establishment of a multitude of cultures and populations over the centuries.
In the depths of the province of CastellónLess than half an hour by car from the provincial capital, is a city of great charm, distinguished by its long stretch and by the combination of buildings of Arab and Christian origin.
It is about Vilafamésa municipality belonging to Plana Alta regionlocated at the top of the Sierra de les Conteses, which has the distinction of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Here it is possible to walk through its winding streets, as well as its immense castle, which dominates the town at the top of the hill.
The story of Vilafamés
The history of Vilafamés dates back to Middle Pleistoceneabout 80,000 million years ago, since the anthropological remains of what is called Homo erectus vilafemensisas well as schematic paintings dating from the Bronze Age.
However, it was not until the Muslim occupation of the peninsula that the territory began to develop urbanly. But there is still Arab remains such as the layout of the streets or the foundations of the current castle.
In 1233, the monarch James I of Aragon He conquered the territory, which passed from Muslim to Christian, and ordered the occupation of the castle and its surroundings. From this moment on, the enclave would experience constant changes in its jurisdiction and ownership.
This was the case until 1519, when the king Charles I of Spain He promised never again to divide the city’s jurisdictions, even though years later a commission even went so far as to go to the Pope Innocent XII to help them deal with the problems of the territory.
During the Carlist WarsThe enclave was severely besieged, losing part of its heritage such as the facade of the castle or the main square, left half in ruins. The unsuccessful attempts to occupy the city led the inhabitants of the region to call it a “the impregnable place“.
Despite the damage caused to much of its infrastructure, the enclave was largely restored after the end of the conflict. Thus, the castle belonging to the commune was declared Property of cultural interest in 2005. Similarly, Vilafamés is classified among the The most beautiful cities in Spainsince 2015.
What to see in Vilafamés
The long history of Vilafamés has endowed the enclave with a large number of monuments of different cultures and religions over the years. Perhaps one of the most remarkable is the castleof Arab origin, but which has undergone many reforms since its construction.
Like much of the city, the castle suffered heavy attacks during the Carlist Wars, during which the fortification systems it presented were adapted. Despite this, The building still stands today..
In addition, it has practically complete walls that cross the city and a square of Muslim origin at the top of the tribute towerwhere it is possible to see almost the entire city from the heights.
The enclave also has religious buildings, such as the Church of the Bloodat the foot of the castle. This building, of medieval origin and later adapted to Baroque art, presents various altarpieces and frescoes by the brothers. Vincent And Eugenio Guillo.
The Christian occupation in the Middle Ages, as well as what happened afterwards, is remarkable in the enclave. Therefore, there are several churches that can be visited in Vilafamés. In addition to the famous Church of the Blood, walking through the town, it will be possible to appreciate the following elements: religious monuments:
- The Hermitage of San Miguel
- The Hermitage of San Ramón
- The Church of the Assumption
However, the enclave has not only religious buildings, but also civil monuments such as the Tossal de la Font Cave, an archaeological site discovered at the beginning of the last century where the remains of a female individual of the species were discovered Homo sapiens.
These are not the only archaeological remains discovered in the region. Matutano Cave, Castle Shelter and Mallasén Rocks They also have remains of different types, all dating from primitive times.
Festivities and celebrations of Vilafamés
Despite its long history and unique buildings, the town of Vilafamés also stands out for its celebrations. One of the most remarkable is that of Abbot Saint Anthonymade in January. This is where the Machada (or Matxa in Valencian) takes place, a procession through the streets of the city during which large bonfires are lit. At the end, the Town Hall distributes a donut (Rotllo) to each participant.
In addition, different markets and processions are also organized throughout the year, such as those that take place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. During this celebration called Saint Michael Arcanjel, Adults and children march towards the Church of the Blood.
