Castle of Alcalans

Castle of Alcalans (Castell dels Alcalans) is a ruined medieval fortress in the municipality of Montserrat, in the province of Valencia, perched on one of the southern hills of the Falaguera range above the left bank of the Magro river.

Where is the castle and how do you get there?

The ruins sit in an area known as Els Castellars, facing the Plana hill and right next to the Cova Fumada cave. From what remains of the walls, the view stretches out over the plains of Montroi and Llombai — the same panorama that once made the site so valuable, since it let its defenders watch over the narrow passage leading to the cave below. A marked hiking trail now leads up to the summit, a favorite among locals in the Ribera Alta region for an easy, half-day outing that pairs the castle ruins with a stop at the cave. The Torre de Montroy watchtower stands nearby too, so the walk can easily be stretched to take in a second viewpoint.

What is the history behind the fortress?

The stronghold was built during the Taifa of Valencia period, in the 11th century, likely on top of an earlier Iberian settlement. As a Muslim fortification, it was meant to protect the crops and settlements scattered across the valley, and its hilltop position gave its garrison a commanding view of the surrounding land. El Cid took the castle in 1093, after which it fell back under Almoravid control. The turning point came in 1129: following the revolt of Ali Ibn Majuz, a battle at Alcalans ended in defeat for the Almoravid forces, and the fortress itself was destroyed. It was rebuilt only after the Christian conquest of Valencia in the 13th century. In 1240 Montserrat was granted as a fief to Eximén de Tovía, and five years later, in 1245, Joan Brusca issued the settlement's founding charter — a milestone that shaped the town's later development.

What can visitors actually see on site today?

Little survives from the original structure beyond sections of the defensive walls and the foundations of several towers. Even so, the layout and building technique are enough to identify the hallmarks of Islamic-era defensive architecture in this part of Valencia — the overall plan of the fortress reads clearly from ground level, even though its upper structures are long gone. The site is listed in Spain's register of Cultural Heritage Assets (Bien de Interés Cultural) under reference number R-I-51-0010504, registered on 16 November 1999, which both confirms its historical value and protects the ruins from further decay.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the site sits on open, largely unshaded ground, spring and autumn make for the most comfortable visits, with temperatures that suit a longer walk along the trail. In summer, an early start is worth it both to beat the heat and to catch the plains in better light for photos. The route needs no special technical skill, but sturdy walking shoes make the rocky final stretch much easier.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the castle? No, the ruins are reached freely via the hiking trail, with no tickets or fixed opening hours.

How long does the climb to the top take? The walk up from the nearest trailhead typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route chosen and your pace.

Can the visit be combined with the Cova Fumada cave? Yes, the two sites sit close together and most visitors combine them into a single outing.

Are any complete buildings still standing? No — only wall fragments and tower foundations remain, with the rest lost to time over the centuries.