Chulilla Castle, Chulilla, Spain

Chulilla Castle sits on a hill overlooking the town and is the historic core of Chulilla. Its remains reflect the town's historical moments and give it a unique character.

The oldest part of castle hill is a cistern from Roman Age. During the Muslim period, the 'hisn' was established on the hilltop, consisting of a tower with a base cistern, masonry walls, and rammed earth constructions. It controlled the valley's communication routes and served as a refuge for nearby villagers. Along with Alpuente, it was the most significant castle in the region.

After the Christians conquered Chulilla and it became part of the Crown of Aragon, significant reforms occurred in the 14th-16th centuries. During this time, the watchtower was built to control the southwest territory. The castle was used as a noble residence and later as a prison for clergy.

Carlist Wars In the 19th century, during the Carlist Wars, the castle played a vital role for the Carlist cause, serving as a fortification for the pretender's troops on three occasions. The governmental army's siege ultimately led to the castle's ruin.

The castle features an outer wall, a barbican tower, a circular bastion, a vaulted room, corner towers, and the main enclosure with a tower and remains of the residence and auxiliary buildings. It also had a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and four cisterns. Various engravings similar to those in Denia Castle can be seen throughout the site.

User Reviews

Tom Hinskens (13 months ago)
You can visit the castle remains for free. Up there you have a great view of the valleys below and the town of Chulilla. Its an easy 5min. walk from the town square up the hill. You'll pass the small town streets and friendly people who live up the hill. Up there are several information boards about the history of the castle and its architecture. Worth the walk!

Gábor Németh (2 years ago)
This landscape is just beauriful, and the small town is gorgeous with its little streets and extraordinary feeling.

Matěj Vlk (4 years ago)
Beautiful views of the city and mountains. At weekend little overcrowded.

Simon Heard (5 years ago)
If you're in Chulilla then you must visit the castle. Beautiful scenery in all directions.

Uros Mesaric (7 years ago)
Nice historic place. But if you are a climber it is even more.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Christian Lauw

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Chulilla Castle

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