The origins of the present Chelva town can be found in the 11th century, when the ruling Moors established a fortress. The original city center was developed adjacent to the castle. It was enclosed by a wall with four gates (one is still visible, San Cristobal). Because of these fortifications, Chelva was a town of considerable importance during the Muslim rule.
The castle was converted as a palace where the Viscount of Chelva stayed from the late 14th century. The building evolved architecturally, eventually presiding over the Main Plaza. An Iberian occupation from the 4th century B.C. has recently been discovered, and the location of Chelva’s first Christian church within the castle walls from the 13th century has been confirmed.
The first written record of church in Danmark locality date back to the year 1291. Close to the church are several stones with a Christian text and cross inscribed. The oldest parts of the present red-brick church are from the 1300s. In the late 1400s the church was enlarged to the appearance it has today. The church has been modified both internally and externally several times, among other things after the fires in 1699 and 1889. There are lot of well-preserved mural paintings in the walls.