Castellón de la Plana, Spain
Region: Valencian Community
Geographic Coordinates: 39.983100, -0.033100
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 172589
Language: Spanish
Castellón de la Plana is a city located in the Valencian Community, On the east coast of Spain. It is the capital of the province of Castellón and has a population of approximately 170, 000 people. The city was founded in the 13th century and has a rich history that can be seen in its architecture and cultural heritage. One of the most impressive landmarks in Castellón de la Plana is its Cathedral, Which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral features Gothic and Renaissance elements and houses various works of art from different periods.
Another notable building is La Lonja del Cáñamo, Which was built in the 15th century as a market for hemp products. Today it serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art. The city also boasts several museums that showcase its history and culture. The Provincial Archaeological Museum features artifacts from prehistoric times to modern day while El Fadri Tower Museum offers visitors panoramic views over Castellón de la Plana’s historic center. Castellón de la Plana’s location on the Mediterranean coast makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers.
The nearby beaches offer crystal clear waters, Golden sand, And plenty of opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing or kiteboarding. Foodies will also appreciate Castellón de la Plana’s gastronomy scene with its emphasis on rice dishes such as paella or arroz al horno (baked rice). Local seafood dishes are also popular including caldereta (fish stew) or suquet (seafood soup). For those looking to experience local festivals, One not to miss is La Magdalena Festival held every March since 1251 when King James I granted permission for it to take place.
This week-long celebration includes parades, Concerts, Fireworks displays and more. Overall Castellón de la Plana offers visitors a mix of history, Culture, Natural beauty and gastronomy. Its location on the Mediterranean coast makes it a great destination for those looking to combine beach time with exploring a charming Spanish city.
- El Fadrí is the most iconic landmark in Castellón de la Plana, and it’s visible from almost anywhere in the city.
- Llotja del Cànem is a 15th-century building that was once a marketplace for hemp products, but now it houses art exhibitions.
- Santa María Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century, and it features stunning stained glass windows.
- Parque Ribalta is a large park located in the center of Castellón de la Plana that offers plenty of green space, walking paths, and a playground for children.
- Mercado Central is an indoor market full of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other local specialties.
- Planetario de Castellón offers educational shows about astronomy and space exploration.
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Castellón features both contemporary art exhibitions as well as works from Spanish artists from the 15th to 20th centuries.
- Playa del Gurugú is located just outside the city center and offers clear waters and sandy shores perfect for swimming or sunbathing during warmer months.
- Castellón de la Plana is renowned for its ceramic tile industry, which is the biggest in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.
- Other significant industries include chemical manufacturing, food processing, and tourism.
- The city also boasts a thriving port that manages imports and exports of products like petroleum goods, chemicals, and construction materials.
- Furthermore, there are numerous small businesses in Castellón de la Plana that specialize in retail, services, and hospitality.
- The founding of the city in the 13th century by King James I of Aragon.
- The Siege of Castellón during the Spanish Civil War in 1938, which resulted in a victory for Franco’s forces.
- The construction of the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria, which began in the 13th century and continued through to the 15th century.
- The birthplace of famous Valencian painter Vicente Castelló (1860-1937).
- The establishment of the University Jaume I (UJI) in 1991, which has become an important educational institution for both locals and international students.
- The city’s involvement in ceramic production since medieval times, with several factories still operating today.
- Notable figures from Castellón include musician Juan Peris-Mencheta (1882-1948), poet Vicent Andrés Estellés (1924-1993), and footballer Sergio García (born 1983).
- Castellón de la Plana Cathedral
- Museum of Fine Arts Castellón
- El Fadrí Bell Tower
- Espai d’Art Contemporani de Castelló (EACC)
- Llotja del Cànem Cultural Center
- Planetari de Castelló
- Mercado Central
- Casa-Museo Abadía d’Espí
- Parque Ribalta
- Real Casino Antiguo
- CD Castellón is the most popular football team in Castellón de la Plana, founded in 1922 and has played in various divisions of Spanish football over the years, including La Liga.
- Club Voleibol Mediterráneo is a volleyball team that was founded in 1997 and has had considerable success over the years, winning multiple national championships.
- Club Natació Castalia is a swimming club that was founded in 1966 and has produced many successful swimmers over the years.
- Club Deportivo Onda is a football team that was founded in 1948 and currently plays in the Tercera División, which is the fourth tier of Spanish football.
- Club Baloncesto Castellón is a basketball team that was founded in 2016 and currently plays in LEB Plata, which is the third tier of Spanish basketball.
- Club Atletismo Playas de Castellón is an athletics club that was founded back to year 1985 and has produced many successful athletes over time, including Olympic medalists.
- Unicaja Banco Ciudad de Córdoba Voleibol Femenino competes within its region with great success since its founding back to year 2000, although it’s not based directly out of Castellon de la Plana this women’s volleyball team deserves mention for its achievements within its region.
- Fiestas de la Magdalena – This is the most important festival in Castellón de la Plana, which takes place in March. It is a week-long event that includes parades, music concerts, fireworks and traditional dances.
- Nit de l’Art – This is an annual art festival that takes place in September. It features exhibitions of contemporary art from local and international artists.
- Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) – This is a popular music festival that takes place every July in nearby Benicàssim. It attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy live performances by international musicians.
- Semana Santa – The Holy Week celebrations take place during Easter time and include processions with religious images through the streets of Castellón.
- Fiesta del Mar – This festival celebrates the sea and fishing traditions of Castellón with seafood tasting events, boat races and other activities.
- Feria de Todos los Santos – Held annually on November 1st, this fair features carnival rides, games, food stalls selling traditional sweets like panellets (marzipan treats) and more.
- Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico (FITC) – The International Classic Theater Festival brings together theater groups from around the world to perform classic plays in Spanish at various venues throughout the city during late July/early August each year.
- Arrocería La Valenciana – known for its delicious paella and other rice dishes.
- Casa Juanito – a traditional restaurant that serves local specialties such as grilled meats and fish.
- El Raco del Pla – a modern restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cuisine.
- La Tasca del Puerto – a seafood restaurant located near the port, offering fresh fish dishes.
- El Gaucho Argentino – an Argentinean steakhouse that serves high-quality meat cuts cooked to perfection.
- La Taberna de Cervantes – a cozy tavern that offers tapas, sandwiches, and other simple yet tasty dishes.
- El Bodegón del Marqués – another seafood-focused restaurant that offers fresh catches of the day in a rustic setting.
- Restaurante L’Almàssera – located in an old olive oil mill, this restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
- Restaurante Entrevins – This wine bar-restaurant has over 500 different wines to choose from along with delicious tapas-style plates to accompany them.
- Restaurante Sento – This Michelin-starred establishment is known for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine using locally-sourced products.
- Ribalta Park is a large park that offers various activities such as walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities including tennis courts and a skate park.
- L’Alcora Greenway is a popular trail that attracts hikers and cyclists to follow an old railway track through the countryside.
- Grao de Castellón Beach is a sandy beach with calm waters that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Desert de les Palmes Natural Park is a mountainous nature reserve that offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and historic ruins.
- El Pinar Beach is another beautiful beach located just outside of the city center with clear waters and soft sand.
- Castellón Planetarium serves as an educational center where visitors can learn about astronomy through interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
- Parque del Meridiano is a small park located in the city center featuring green spaces, fountains, and sculptures.
- Castelló Cultural Center (CCC) Casino Antiguo hosts exhibitions, concerts, plays, etc., making it an important cultural center in the city.
- El Fadrí Tower – A bell tower located in the heart of the city which offers panoramic views of Castellon de la Plana.
- Central Market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, etc., making it an important market for locals to purchase their daily necessities from.
