Jalance Castle

Jalance, Spain

Jalance Castle is a Muslim-origin fortress built in the 11th century, with later Christian modifications. It is situated on a hill above the town of Jalance in the Ayora-Cofrentes Valley. Its history is intertwined with the town's, serving as a defense for the lands and people rather than a feudal stronghold. Archaeological excavations have found ceramic remains from the 11th to the 19th century, indicating long-term habitation.

The castle was a battleground during the Carlist Wars in 1836, defended against the attacks of leader Quílez. Floods in 1864 destroyed its orchards and mills and washed away the stone bridge over the Júcar River, which had also happened in 1740. The walls were restored in the 19th century for civil war protection but later fell into disrepair. Today, efforts are being made to consolidate and preserve it.

The castle has a ten-sided polygonal layout, with walls ending in arrow slits and circular corner towers. It consists of two areas: the upper fortified area and the lower area, originally an Islamic albacar, converted into a parade ground by the Christians.

The upper area is accessed by a staircase leading to a corridor connected to various rooms. These include living quarters, ovens, storage areas, a circular silo, and a rectangular cistern.

Jalance Castle is an ideal spot for adventure sports like 'Rugir Pala' or for enjoying cool summer nights illuminated by the light of the Cofrentes nuclear power plant.

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Address

Jalance, Spain
See all sites in Jalance

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Spain

More Information

www.comunitatvalenciana.com

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jesus Ruiz (4 months ago)
The truth is that it is well preserved on the outside.
José María González Villar (10 months ago)
It is temporarily closed, but it is still worth going up for the views.
Raul Roca Garcia (13 months ago)
Albodigas
Yulia (2 years ago)
A spectacular place ?...the path to the castle is with incredible landscapes...to get to the castle you have to go around the mountain until you reach the castle ?...on the way there are beautiful views of the Jalance town .The photos are fresh from 12 -03 2022 and the castle was sealed, you cannot see inside...but it is worth seeing even if it is only from the outside...sometimes it is not destiny, it is the canine that is enjoy.
William Sehlin (4 years ago)
Great views.
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