History of Castellón
To truly enjoy a visit to Castellón, there's nothing better than learning about its history to discover the origin and soul of this land full of contrasts —a fertile, outward-looking coast and a mountainous interior, rugged, mysterious, and rich in stories.
The history of Castellón begins with the arrival of the Iberians, who settled on the hilltops to keep watch over the area. Later, the Romans arrived and built their villas on the fields, where they devoted themselves to agriculture.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Muslim period began, during which several castles were built in strategic locations such as Morella, Oropesa, and Peñíscola. The irrigation systems improved, paving the way for the area's later agricultural wealth.
In 1233, when James I of Aragón reconquered Castellón, the inhabitants lived atop the hill for safety. This choice was made at the cost of great inconvenience, as it was impractical for agriculture.
A few years later, in 1251, the king allowed the inhabitants to move down from the hills to the plains, known as 'la plana'. This move shaped the city's development and is still celebrated today with the Romería de las Canyes, Castellón's main festival.
During the Middle Ages, Castellón's coast suffered constant attacks by Barbary pirates intent on raiding the towns. It was during this time that fortifications with thick, impenetrable walls were built, complemented by watchtowers scattered along the coastline.
Castellón's history underwent a major transformation during the 18th and 19th centuries, marked by two key milestones. First, the introduction of the orange cultivation became a real success, thanks to the area's ideal climate.
Oranges soon earned the nickname of 'orange gold', bringing unprecedented wealth to the province — but this was just the beginning. Thanks to the arrival of the railroad, Castellón gained an excellent connection to Europe, and its oranges began reaching markets across the continent.
In that time of prosperity, a new wealthy bourgeoisie emerged. Drawn to the coastline of Benicàssim, they began building spectacular villas to enjoy during the summer months.
During the 20th century, Castellón experienced major developments that would shape its future. The first of these milestones came with the tile industry, which led the province to become the world leader in ceramic production.
From the 1960s onwards, thanks to Castellón's sunny weather and beaches, the region became an important tourist destination. This attracted thousands of visitors from all over Europe.
Today, Castellón is a land of striking contrasts: a modern, industrial province with world-famous music festivals, which has managed to preserve its rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy vibrant beaches and explore quiet Templar fortresses, all while savoring the region's unrivaled cuisine.
