Castellón de La Plana (Castellón de la Plana) is the main town of the homonymous province, which is part of the Valencian community, the picturesque capital of Costa del Azahar - shore flowers of the orange tree. Surrounded by a green plain, once inconspicuous provincial town, today it has become a prosperous and dynamic city, full of temptations for the visitors to his guest.
The city was founded in 1251, when king James I of Aragon (Jaime I) the Conqueror allowed the settlement living in the mountains around the fortified hill where is now the chapel of the Magdalena, to move to the valley and to found a new settlement. This journey is still celebrated every year popular Romería de les Canyes, the residents of the city climb to the chapel and remember their roots.
In medieval times, Castellón de La Plana was a small town known only for its castle of Fadrell, built in ancient times by Arabs.
In 1833, after the war of Independence of castellón received the status of provincial capital. From this point of castellón began to flourish, reaching its Golden age in the 60-ies of XX century, when Spain was recovering from war and conflict within the country.
Subsequently, Castellón became widely known resort town. Relaxed atmosphere quiet streets, several medieval monuments of architecture, orange trees, parks, clean beaches and quaint sculptures - all this gives the Castellon its own special characteristic features.
The historic center of castellón and its heart - the Main square (Plaza Mayor). Here are the most important festivals and celebrations of the city. It is noteworthy that the area became home immediately after the Foundation of castellón.
Nearby: Central market (Mercado Central) - ancient one-storey XVII century building, three-story city hall (Palacio Municipal) XVIII century, the Cathedral of the Holy virgin Mary (Catedral de Santa Maria) of the XII century, the Tower of El Fadrí (El Fadri) of the XV century, considered a symbol of castellón de La Plana.
To relax after the long walks around the city and, simultaneously, to touch the unforgettable historical places in city Park Ribalta (Paseo de Ribalta) of the late nineteenth century. This is one of the most important gardens in Castellon and one of the most interesting in the entire community. There are more than 450 species of plants, the incredible richness and variety of flora dazzles visitors. This Park is listed as a world heritage site.
Against the backdrop of historical attractions stands out the Planetarium (Planetario), which was the first planetarium in the Valencia region. And, of course, you must visit the bullfighting Arena of castellón of the nineteenth century (Plaza de Torros de Castellon).
On the streets of Castellon you can see amazing sculptures of well-known throughout Europe architect, sculptor and impressionist artist Juan Garcia of Ripollesa. Are as bright and cheerful sculptures of this master adorn many cities of Europe and the world.
As in all resort towns of the Spanish Mediterranean sea in Castellon is a remarkably beautiful and quiet beaches with Golden sand and the necessary infrastructure: Playa del Gurugu, Pinar del Playa and Playa del Serradal.
Special value for lovers of old country are the sights of castellón de La Plana. The most important of them are: the Fortress of Peniscola, the temple of the Holy cave in Altura, Belle castle on the hill Magdalene, Cartuja Vall de Crist.
The city of Castellón de la Plana is surrounded by countryside with a pleasant and noble landscapes, where there are orange groves. Between the city and the sea stretches incomparable gardens with scattered houses and villas for summer holidays. Very close you can see the town of Desert de les Palmes is a protected natural Park and the Islands Columbretes, is the only archipelago of the Valencian Community, also protected as a natural Park and marine reserve.
Now Castellón - it is a fast developing tourist area of the Valencian coast of the Costa Azahar, famous for its mild climate and clean sandy beaches that attract tourists from all over Europe. The main resort centers of the coast in Peñiscola, Oropesa del Mar (the famous complex of Marina D'or) and Benicassim (with a water Park and amusement Park Aquarama), built up with modern hotels and entertainment complexes. The charming towns of Benicarlo and vinarós, fishing ports that supply the variety of gifts of the Mediterranean sea in hotels and restaurants along the coast.
In addition, this fabulous region has recently become extremely popular for foreign property buyers, attracted by the opportunity to buy a relatively inexpensive apartment to stay during the holiday period and all year round.
The nearest airport to Castellon de La Plana international airport is Valenciawhich is 1 hour reachable by car and by train or bus.
