This region, full of charming sights, is situated inland in the centre of the Castellón province.
With so much to discover, L’Alcalatén, halfway between the plains and the mountains, resides in the central interior of the Castellón province. Full of delightful places, there are numerous treasures to be discovered by visitors in eight of its towns.
Lucena del Cid
Located between the Pedreñera ravine and the Lucena river, it is the perfect example of a picturesque, mountainous town, full of charm. It has become the area’s second most populated town by number of inhabitants and is home to so many attractive sights; from its monuments, such as the Asunción church, the San Antonio hermitage and the Sant Miquel de les Torrocelles hermitage, among others, to its beautiful natural landscapes, that can be admired from extensive trail routes and paths in the middle of the countryside.
Atzeneta del Maestrat
At the foot of the Penyagolosa mountains is Atzeneta. With a long history that goes back to the Iberians, it also has a rich heritage that is evident from its four hermitages (Sant Joan, Loreto, Sant Gregori and Sant Roc), castle and the Presó tower, which used to form part of the walls that surrounded the small town and those that still preserve numerous remains.
Les Useres
Although it possesses a rich scenic and monumental heritage (as in the case of the Transfiguració church, from the 17th century), the pilgrimage of Les Useres has become the towns most symbolic feautre. With origins that go back to the Middle Ages, every year thirteen men and a full court renew the vote of the town regarding the walk of penitential pilgrimage towards the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa.
Figueroles
Figueroles is found on the shores of the Lucena river. It has mountainous surroundings and is a tile manufacturing town, possessing significant monuments like the Sant Mateu church, the Calvari hermitage and the house of the Col·legials. In the Traguanta area there are two places, the Roca-Naram and the Penya-roja, that divide the plain of Castellón from the sea.
Costur
With Roman and Arab ruins, it is home to monuments such as the Bandejats way or the San Pedro Martir church. As in the rest of the region, the Sant Antoni Abad festivity is celebrated in mid-January.
Vistabella del Maestrat
Literally translated as the “Beautiful View of Maestrat”; despite being home to only 400 inhabitants, Vistabella is known for its rich heritage, demonstrated by the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa, the Loreto, Sant Antoni o Sant Bertomeu hermitages, the last of which dating back to the 14th century, and the Asunción church. Other civil monuments well worth mentioning are the Roman bridge that goes over the Monleón river and the Sant Roc y del Forn arch.
Benafigos
Together with Xodos, Benafigos has the region’s smallest populations, and its vast natural and architectural heritage does not leave us short of things to talk about. With a closely linked history to the castle of its origin, its main appeal lies in the Sant Joan Baptista church and the Calvari and Ortisella hermitages.
Xodos
Of Arab origin, hiking is one of the main attractions, as the Tossal de Marinet nature spot and the source of the Lucena river are found at the end of this town. It is integrated in the natural park of Penyagolosa and is also well known for its castle (which contains the remains of the big tower –el Callís- and the wall) for its strategic importance long ago. The Sant Pere church and the Sant Cristòfol and Calvari hermitages also form part of its heritage.
