The Islamic castle seized by El Cid in 1091

The name Miravet might evoke memories of a monastery of warrior monks. However, its roots stretch back to prehistoric times, with various Eneolithic sites nearby. Some historians have even attempted to identify the location with the Roman mansion of Ildum de los itinerarios, though this remains unconfirmed.

Authentically historical data begins in the era of the Cid Campeador, who took the fortress in 1091. Between 1093 and 1103, various governors appointed by Sancho Ramírez and Pedro I of Aragon held the territory to contain Almoravid invasions, though the conquest was not consolidated. It was during the reign of Jaime I that the conquest was finalized. In 1224 and 1225, the rey confirmed several donations to the obispo and cabildo of Tortosa, including the castles of Miravet, Zufera, and Fadrell, as thanks for the help provided during the siege of Peñíscola.

After the conquest, the obispo Poncio de Torrella worked to repopulate the territory with people. The boundaries of the castle sparked legal disputes, requiring various arbitrations between the obispo and the maestre del Temple to demarcate the lands of Miravet from its neighbors. By 1575, the administration of the castle and the village of Albalat was unified into the town of Cabanes.

Located on a mountain slope, the castle features an irregular plan distributed over a lateral longitudinal axis. It maintained a lateral walls, previous defenses, remains of towers, and some internal dependencies. It also possessed a double lower enclosure containing architectural remains, vestiges of an ancient village, and the ruined church of San Martín y San Bartolomé.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons