Castell de Vilafamés

Castell de Vilafamés is a medieval fortress dominating the hilltop profile of the town of Vilafamés in Castellón's La Plana Alta comarca, with origins tracing to the Muslim period when it formed part of the defensive network protecting inland Castellón territories. Conquered by King Jaime I in 1235 and granted for repopulation in 1241, the castle was substantially rebuilt in the 14th century when the Order of Montesa required inhabitants to reinforce fortifications, transforming it into a grand castle-palace. The fortress gained particular strategic importance during the 19th-century Carlist Wars when Vilafamés became a key enclave and the castle was occupied, reinforced, and saw multiple military episodes. The distinctive central circular tower represents one of the few surviving examples of Carlist military architecture in Valencia, offering extensive panoramic views across the surrounding Pla de l'Arc and mountain landscape from its 400-meter elevation.