Uxó Castle - a fortress in a desert valley

Uxó Castle, also known as ‘El Castell’, is situated on a hill three kilometers north of the town of Vall de Uxó in the comarca de Castellón, Spain. Once a castle of Muslim origin, it was reshaped over the centuries, but it did not regain importance again during the Spanish Civil War. Northern Spain has a freezing winter, making it a challenge to visit Uxó Castle, but those who do stand to appreciate its historical significance. Its architecture and defensive walls are a testament to the challenges the local people faced in the past.

The cisterns and storage areas within the fortress have allowed it to withstand many hardships. Today, the castle is a protected monument and part of local heritage. Uxó Castle is located on an isolated hill where towns once stood centuries ago – Vall de Uxó. The fortified area was further fortified for reservations, hinting at a Casa cubierta built in 1287. The castle’s current name is believed to originate from the valley where the towns of Castro were.

Jaime I occupied the valley in 1238 and Muslim residents surrendered in 1350. Visitors to Uxó Castle can explore the ruins and hunt for clues about the town’s mysterious past.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons