Templar Castle of Xivert

Spain, Spain

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Templar Castle of Xivert, perched on a hill in Alcalà de Xivert near Alcossebre in Castellón province, Valencian Community, Spain, originated as a 10th-11th century Moorish fortress in the Sierra de Irta to control coastal routes and passes.

Conquered peacefully in 1234 by James I of Aragon and granted to the Knights Templar, who added a separating wall, twin circular towers, dressed stone curtain walls, a Gothic chapel, and cistern, it later passed to the Order of Montesa after 1312 before abandonment following 17th-century pirate attacks and Morisco expulsion.

Spanning 8,000 m² with an alcazaba summit, protective albacar enclosure, and lower aljama village remnants including Kufic inscriptions, the ongoing excavations reveal layered Islamic and Christian defenses offering stunning sea and valley views today.