Castell Vell: 11th-century Muslim Castle with a Checkered Past

Castell Vell, also known as Castell de la Magdalena, Tosal de la Magdalena, and Fadrell castle, is an 11th-century Muslim castle located on a hill in Castelló de la Plana in the Valencian Community. The castle, built between the 11th and 13th centuries under both Muslim and Christian hands, today stands in ruins, but some parts remain. The upper enclosure, the alcassaba, contains three semicircular towers. The ermitage of the Magdalena is located in the intermediate enclosure, the albacar.

The castle has a rich history, having been occupied by the Cid, King Peter the Catholic, and the Almohads. In 1172, the lands of Fadrell were tributary to Alfonso the Cat. Castell Vell was reconquered in 1233 by James the Conqueror. The city of Castelló de la Plana was founded in 1252. The name Fadrell comes from the Arabic name for small rural Muslim communities, known as alquerías. Castell Vell is under the protection of the Decree of 22 April 1949 and the Spanish Law 16/1985 on Historical Heritage.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons