Located by more than 1200 meters above sea level, the Ares del Maestre retains the city core located on the rocky platform, which dominates the Alto Maestracgo region, in the province of Castellon. Its profile, visible several kilometers around, is determined by the remains of a medieval fortress raised on a limestone tooth. The municipality route adapts to relief disorders, with narrow streets and stone constructions that support elements of traditional architecture.
This enclave has a documented story that goes back to the Iberian and Roman times, although its urban development was consolidated in the Islamic period and especially after the Christian conquest in the thirteenth century. The castle, the parish church and other defensive constructions were part of the control of the territory, which played an active role in various historical conflicts, such as the war for continuity, the dwarf war and the civil war.
Today, the Ares del Maestre represents a very small population distributed between the historical core and several massage of the municipality. Although phenomena such as depopulation or limited access to the main resources, the municipality strengthened its assets to attract visits. The preservation of its defensive, religious and civilian elements makes it purpose for those who travel along the inside of Castellon in search of settlements from the value of heritage.
Castle on Muel
The castle of Ares -Tody -Master, announced from cultural interest, occupies the highest part of the municipality, on a limestone tooth, which is noted by the silhouette of the city. Despite the fact that there are several remnants of the initial structure, the set continues to identify part of the defensive system, with sections on the walls dug in the rock and some observation towers. The strategic position of the fortress proposed visual control over the large areas of the teacher and contributed to protective tasks from possible intrusions.
Strengthening is originating before Christian conquest. During the Muslim domain, the castle was part of the defensive network of the ball al-Andalus. After the conquest of Haime I troops in the mid -13th century, the castle gave way to character, and later -Orden Montes. These military orders developed defensive infrastructure and contributed to the growth of the populated nucleus.
The castle was used in different historical conflicts. During the war for continuity, this was a scene of clashes, and then, in the nineteenth century, he played a role in the wars of the dwarf. Already in the twentieth century, during the civil war, the height of the castle again became a strategic point, this time as a place of observation. The strength and its surroundings were filled up, leaving part of the destroyed city center.
Currently, access to the castle is included for visiting. A complete panoramic type of municipality and natural environment was obtained from its site, including areas such as La Mola D’ARes, Harts Horts and large areas of the low mountain. The tasks of maintenance allowed to preserve the remains in acceptable conditions, although there is no significant part of the initial structure. The place has become one of the main attractions of the municipality, especially in the summer months and in festive times.
ROCK -SCARTITION in ARES DEL MAESTRE
Levantin of the cave, a visual set that extends along the Mediterranean arch from Catalonia to Andalusia, has one of the largest indicators in the Valencian community. The teacher and, in particular, in the Ares Dod -Master has some of the most important examples of these prehistoric artistic manifestations recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage.
Among the outstanding enclaves – Cova Remigia and several layers located in the Gasulla ravine, where paintings representing hunting scenes, rites and military episodes are preserved. The discovery of these paintings in 1934 showed the age of the settlement, which much exceeds the medieval origin associated with the fortress. The numbers embodied on the walls show up to seven different stages of the development of religion -religions -art, demonstrating cultural wealth and human continuity in this area since the time of prehistoric time.
