Castillo de Montesa is situated at the summit of a hillock dominating the town of Montesa, serving as the strategic headquarters of the Order of Santa María de Montesa. Founded by Jaime II in the 13th century to protect the Kingdom of Valencia, the castle replaced the dissolved Order of the Temple and inherited its properties. The fortress earned renown as one of the Kingdom's strongest fortifications, featuring thick walls, powerful towers, Valencian Gothic architecture, a spacious parade ground accommodating up to 2,000 soldiers, a convent, order church, Master's palace, and barracks. Though damaged by 18th-century earthquakes, the ruins remain accessible via a 10-minute walk from town.
