Pulpis Castle
| Local names | Castillo de Pulpís, Castell de Polpís |
|---|---|
|
State |
Ruin, being renovated |
|
Entrance fee |
Free |
|
Distance from Peniscola |
17 km (30 minutes) |
|
Facilities |
None |
How to get there from Peñiscola
1. Take the CV-141 inland.
2. At the roundabout take the 4th exit towards Santa Magdalena de Pulpis & Castellon.
3. Take the exit at Santa Magdalena de Pulpis.
4. After exiting the road turn left towards the village.
5. Then take the first right towards Marmoles Serrat.
6. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit towards Marmoles Serrat, the lane with the large pines.
7. Then take the 5th road on the right towards Marmoles Serrat and Castell.
8. Just before the road turns right towards Marmoles Serrat, take the gravel road on your left.
9. Follow the gravel road for a few kilometers, until there is a crossing on your left, this is the road to the castle.
History
Originally Pulpis Castle was a Moorish castle, built in the 10th and 11th century. Until it was conquered by king Alfonso II of Aragon in the year 1190. It then fell under the administration of the Templar Knights. This didn’t last long, because 5 years later the muslims attacked the castle and retook it. It then remained in Moorish hands until 1233, when it was conquered by James I of Aragon. He gave the castle to the Order of Calatrava in 1244. Later that century, in 1277, it became part of the Templar Knights. They kept possession of the castle until they were dissolved. A few years after that the castle was given to the Order of Montesa. Under Christian rule the castle was rebuilt and expanded. Only its foundation and walls are of Moorish origin. In the 16th century the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin.
