Castellnovo: Castle, Cistern and Trails in the Sierra

Castellnovo combines impressive architecture, Islamic water-engineering heritage, trails through wooded mountain landscapes and vibrant local traditions. Between the town centre, the hill of San Cristóbal and the landscapes along the Río Palancia, there are many different opportunities for a trip combining culture, nature and regional cuisine.

Castle, Church and Arab Water Engineering

The Castillo de Beatriz de Borgia is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural and is located on the hill of San Cristóbal, in the immediate vicinity of the town centre. In the mid-15th century, Beatriz de Borgia had the castle converted into a palace with Renaissance influences. The building is attributed with Roman origins; during Muslim rule, it was rebuilt on older remains. This gave rise to the names Castillo Nuevo and Castellnou.

The Cisterna Árabe is a Hispano-Arab structure that was of essential importance to Castellnovo’s water supply until the 1960s. As the Cisterna de Castellnovo, it is considered one of the best-preserved examples of this type of Islamic water-engineering expertise in the Alto Palancia comarca.

The Iglesia de los Santos Reyes is a Renaissance church with a Latin-cross floor plan, Corinthian and Doric columns, a chapel and two coupled domes. The first construction phase was completed on 24 September 1662. The church preserves 17th-century wall paintings, particularly in the chapel.

San Cristóbal and Trails Through the Landscape

The Ermita de San Cristóbal stands on the 571-metre-high summit of Cerro de San Cristóbal. It dates from the 15th century and was completely restored in 1977. The area around the ermita offers views across the Río Palancia basin towards the Mediterranean; the Sierra Calderona Nature Park lies in the background. At the start of the ascent is the Ermita de San Antonio de Padua, built in 1724, with an atrium providing protection for the faithful and visitors.

For cycle tourists, the moderately difficult R18 cycling route runs for 57 kilometres through the forests of the Sierra de Espadán, along the Pantano del Regajo and the Río Palancia. The first 5 kilometres begin from Castellnovo. From the area around Fuente de la Mina, a trail also leads through the Sierra de San Roque to the Río Chico and the Poza de los Gitanos, which is suitable for swimming.

Festivals and Specialities from Castellnovo

Local life is also reflected in the festivals. The Santa Cruz celebrations include a traditional Chocolatada. The Fiesta de la Mina takes place in July and includes the distribution of filled rolls as well as a dance event. Las Mozas honours the Virgen del Rosario; the streets are decorated and a fancy-dress procession is held.

Castellnovo also has its own culinary character: Olla de col is considered a typical local dish. Local specialities also include Olla de pencas, Cocas and artisanally produced cheeses. In this way, historical sightseeing, experiences in the landscape and regional flavours can be combined into a varied stay.

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For the overarching travel overview: Castellon.