CASTLES CABANES

Torre Carmelet is a defensive tower dating to the 15th-16th centuries located in the Ribera de Cabanes, part of the historic "Camino de las Torres" (Path of the Towers) in Plana Alta, Castellón. The square-plan tower spans three stories with corner turrets on opposite corners and distinctive machicolation on the southeast facade housing the entrance. Built from masonry with cut stone framing doors and windows, this structure exemplifies coastal defensive architecture providing shelter for farmers against sudden pirate raids. Catalogued as a Site of Cultural Interest, Torre Carmelet integrates within a network of historic towers including Torre de los Gatos, Torre de la Sal, and Torre del Carmen.

Castell de Miravet de Castelló is a formidable medieval fortress in Cabanes, constructed by the Moors in the 11th century and conquered by Christians in 1153. The castle became a significant stronghold of the Order of the Knights Templar and exemplifies Templar architecture in Europe with its distinctive double fortified enclosure separated by an internal corridor. Built atop excellent vantage points overlooking the Ebro River valley, the outer perimeter spans approximately 600 meters while the inner enclosure measures 290 meters. The inner fortress contains numerous structures including a bailey, sentry post, bedrooms, stables, refectory, storerooms, and wine cellars. Its towering solid walls remain remarkably intact, dominating the charming village cascading down the riverbanks below.

Castell d'Albalat stands in ruins on a hilltop in the abandoned settlement of Albalat dels Ànecs, in northern Cabanes, Castellón. Constructed around 1280 by the bishops of Tortosa who served as lords of the place, the castle was abandoned in 1575 when Albalat was incorporated into Cabanes. Following King Jaime I's reconquest of the area in 1233, Cabanes was granted to the Bishop of Tortosa in 1243, who maintained lordship until the 19th century. The castle's most distinctive feature is a fortified church, a unique example of defensive architecture from the 16th-century Spanish Mediterranean coast. Though the structure remains in deteriorated condition, it constitutes a monumental complex of considerable historical and artistic value representing medieval ecclesiastical and military architecture.