Castillo de Chera

Castillo de Chera is a ruined medieval castle standing on a hill roughly a kilometre outside the village of Chera, in the province of Valencia. From its perch the fortress commands the surrounding plain, the Tormagal gorge, and the old road linking Requena and Chulilla — the view alone justifies the climb.

Who built this castle, and when?

The fortress dates to the 12th century, raised by the Almoravids, the Muslim dynasty that then controlled much of al-Andalus. It is the only fortification of this exact type — a rectangular enclosure with square towers at each corner — that the Almoravids built anywhere in Spain, and the only one of its kind in the entire Valencia region. Around the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, the Almohads took over the site and strengthened it further, doubling the wall line and cutting a moat around the hill. At the centre of the enclosure stood a keep, parts of which still survive.

How did it pass to Christian rule?

In 1238, James I of Aragon brought Chera and its castle into the Kingdom of Valencia. He granted the surrounding lordship to the nobleman Hurtado de Lihory, whose family held power there for decades afterward. Sitting on the frontier between Castile and Valencia, the castle became a target during border conflicts: in 1356, during the War of the Two Pedros, Castilian forces captured it and held it for several years before it returned to the Crown of Aragon.

Why is it a ruin today?

Once its military and frontier role faded, the castle lost much of its strategic importance. By the 15th century it stood abandoned, and without a garrison or upkeep the walls gradually gave way to weather and erosion typical of this part of inland Valencia. What remains today are sections of the perimeter wall, the outlines of the corner towers, and traces of the central keep — enough to trace the original layout of the fortress.

What's happening at the site now?

In October 2023, conservation work began to stabilise what survives of the walls and towers, and part of the outer perimeter was excavated as part of that effort. The goal is to halt further decay of the stonework and, eventually, make the ruins safer to visit.

How do you get there, and what should you know before visiting?

The castle sits on a hill directly above Chera, reached by a footpath from the village — sturdy shoes are worth packing, since the ground underfoot is rocky and uneven. From the top, the view stretches across the valley, the Tormagal gorge and the surrounding hills, making it a short but rewarding walk. Because conservation work is ongoing, some sections of the walls may be temporarily off-limits, so it's worth checking the current access status locally before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Castillo de Chera open to visitors? The ruins can be freely approached from the outside, though ongoing conservation work may restrict access to some sections of the walls.

How long does the walk up take? The footpath from Chera typically takes 20 to 30 minutes one way, depending on pace and fitness.

What makes this castle unusual compared to others in the region? It is the only Almoravid-built fortification on the Iberian Peninsula with a rectangular plan and square corner towers, giving it a singular place in Valencia's military architecture.

Is it worth combining with other nearby sights? Chera lies in the Tierra del Vino wine region next to Chulilla, known for its Turia river gorge and hanging footbridges, so both villages can easily be covered in a single day trip.