Casa del Delme

Casa del Delme is a medieval building in Catí, a small town in the province of Castellón, in the Alt Maestrat region of the Valencian Community. It ranks among the oldest surviving structures in the town and is a key stop when exploring its historic centre.

What is Casa del Delme?

The building takes its name from "delme" (tithe): this is where the tithe on harvests owed to the lord of Catí was collected during the Middle Ages. Its existence is documented as far back as 1333, making it one of the earliest recorded structures in the town. The estate was originally linked to Ramón Castellano, then lord of Catí, and rights to it later passed to Morella. Beyond its role in tithe collection, the building also served as a meeting place for the town's councilors before Catí had a dedicated town hall — local decisions were made within its walls. For this reason, it is also known locally as "La Torre" (The Tower).

The site is listed as a Property of Local Relevance and recognised as a monument of local interest, forming part of the historic-artistic ensemble of Catí.

What will you see there?

Casa del Delme is a large-scale building constructed in Gothic style. Its most distinctive features are reinforced corners built with ashlar stone and Gothic pointed-arch windows decorated with fine tracery — details that catch the eye of anyone walking through the old town. The building originally formed a single unit with an old oven (horno viejo) standing next to it, and traces of that shared estate layout are still recognisable today.

Over the centuries the structure went through several transformations. Additions were made in the 18th century, and further changes followed in the 19th and 20th centuries as the building's use evolved. As a result, Casa del Delme reads today almost like a layered record of its own history, with the Gothic core still visible beneath later modifications.

How do you get to Catí?

Catí sits in the mountainous Alt Maestrat region, well inland from the coast of Castellón province. The town is known for its winding stone-paved streets, ashlar-built houses, and local cheese production, so it's worth pairing a visit to Casa del Delme with a walk through the whole old quarter. Driving is the most practical option — Catí has no train connections, and public transport from the region's larger towns is limited to a handful of bus services.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of its mountain setting, Catí has a cooler climate than the nearby Costa del Azahar coastline, so spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and quieter streets. Summer days can get warm around midday but stay pleasant in the evening, which is a good time to walk the old town, when the stone architecture is at its most atmospheric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Casa del Delme used for? It was the building where the tithe on harvests owed to the lord of Catí was collected in the Middle Ages. It also served as a meeting place for the town's councilors before a separate town hall existed.

How old is the building? Documents confirm its existence as early as 1333, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Catí.

What architectural style is it? Gothic, visible in its ashlar-stone reinforced corners and decorative tracery windows.

Does the building have another name? Yes, it is also known locally as "La Torre."