Castle of Montesa

Castle of Montesa, in the town of Montesa in the province of Valencia, Spain, crowns a rocky hill that towers over the surrounding plains of the Costera region and can be spotted from miles away. It stands among the most significant fortresses of the old Kingdom of Valencia and served for centuries as the headquarters of the military order that still carries its name.

What is the history behind the castle?

A stronghold already occupied this rock long before the castle's most famous chapter began, serving as a refuge for Muslim defenders of the area until it fell to Peter III of Aragon in 1277. The real turning point came in the 14th century: in 1317, King James II of Aragon founded the Order of Montesa, a Catholic military-religious order created to take over the properties and defensive duties left behind by the recently suppressed Knights Templar. Two years later, in 1319, the king granted this very castle to the new order as its principal seat. The fortress was rebuilt and enlarged, and the order — following the Cistercian Rule, much like the Order of Calatrava — became the only military monastic order in the history of the Kingdom of Valencia, fighting alongside Christian forces during the later stages of the Reconquista.

The castle served this role for more than four centuries, until an earthquake struck in 1748 and forced King Ferdinand VI, acting as grand master of the order, to relocate the religious community to the Palace of the Temple in Valencia. The ruins were declared an architectural and artistic monument in 1926, during the reign of Alfonso XIII.

What will you see on site?

Castle of Montesa was regarded as one of the strongest fortresses in the old Kingdom of Valencia, its thick walls and sturdy towers enclosing a parade ground large enough to muster up to two thousand men. Within the walls, visitors can still make out the remains of the chapter house, the refectory, the monastic church, a cistern, and an oven, all once enclosed by a defensive wall that ringed the former convent. The 1748 earthquake left much of the complex in ruins, so only some of the original structures remain recognizable today, but ongoing restoration work continues to uncover and stabilize additional parts of this remarkable site.

One of the castle's greatest rewards is its sweeping view over the surrounding hills and the flatlands of the Costera region, visible in every direction from the fortress walls. Footpaths and rest areas circle the castle, inviting visitors to take in both the structure itself and the valley below.

How do you get there?

A well-marked route climbs the rock on which the town of Montesa and its dominating fortress were built, connecting the town center to the castle gates. Walking this trail is one of the main reasons to visit on foot, with several viewpoints along the way worth pausing at.

When is the best time to visit?

The castle is open to visitors mainly on weekends and public holidays, when guided tours are organized. Because opening times vary by season and day, it is worth checking with Montesa's local tourism office beforehand to confirm the schedule of upcoming guided visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Order of Montesa? A Catholic military-religious order founded in 1317 by King James II of Aragon, created to absorb the properties and defensive duties of the suppressed Knights Templar, following the Cistercian Rule.

Why is the castle partly in ruins today? An earthquake in 1748 badly damaged the buildings, forcing the religious community to relocate to Valencia and leaving behind ruins that are now undergoing restoration.

How large was the fortress's capacity? The spacious parade ground inside the walls could hold up to two thousand men, reflecting the castle's military importance.

What is the biggest draw beyond the walls themselves? The panoramic views over the Costera region, best enjoyed along the walking paths that circle the fortress.