Castillo de Jérica crowns Peña Tajada, a dramatic crag overlooking La Alcudia valley in Castellón's Alto Palancia comarca. The site hosts layered medieval construction, with a Muslim castle foundation supporting a 13th-14th century Christian fortress. King Jaime I's forces captured the castle in 1235 after a harsh siege, and he subsequently granted the town a charter of population in 1249. Though now in ruins, the Homenaje tower, known as 'la Torreta,' remains the best-preserved structure, featuring a square base with 1.5-meter-thick walls and original rib vaults. Damaged during the Carlist Wars, the castle remains accessible with free admission and offers insight into Iberian medieval conflicts.
