Castle of Xinquer

Castell de Xinquer (Castle of Xinquer) is a ruined medieval fortress in the municipality of Alcudia de Veo, deep in the Sierra de Espadán mountains of Castellón province. The castle sits atop a rocky outcrop right next to the abandoned hamlet of Xinquer, surrounded by the cork oak and pine woodlands that define this mountain range.

What will you see there?

Only fragments of the perimeter walls and the remains of two towers survive from the original fortification. The structure is heavily deteriorated and overgrown, giving it a wild, atmospheric character — this is a site for travelers who enjoy discovering ruins in a raw natural setting rather than a polished, restored monument. The layout follows the pattern typical of Muslim-era defensive forts in the region, though its exact construction date and building phases remain uncertain due to the scarcity of written records about it.

The castle once served a defensive role, watching over the valley and the routes running through the Sierra de Espadán. From its position, the views stretch across surrounding ravines and forested slopes, rewarding the effort of the climb up.

The history behind the ruins

The hamlet of Xinquer, next to which the castle stands, was once a Muslim alquería — a small farming settlement whose name derives from a word meaning shed or granary. After the expulsion of the Moriscos in the 17th century, the site was occupied intermittently by Christian settlers, though it never regained its former importance. It was finally abandoned during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), and both the hamlet and the castle it once protected have been crumbling into ruin ever since.

Today it stands as a quiet testament to centuries of settlement in the Sierra de Espadán — a region where Muslim-era roots remain more visible in the cultural landscape than in many other parts of Spain.

How do you get there?

A forest track in good condition branches off the road connecting Alcudia de Veo and Algimia de Almonacid, leading toward the site. From there, the final stretch must be covered on foot along a mountain path — plan for at least an hour's walk one way, depending on your fitness and starting point. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, as the terrain is rocky and uneven.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in the Sierra de Espadán stay mild and the trails through the cork oak forests are at their most scenic. Summer heat in this part of Castellón can be intense, so it's worth setting out early in the morning and bringing plenty of water — there are no supply points along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the castle? No, it's an open mountain site, freely accessible with no fees and no set visiting hours.

Is the castle well preserved? No — only fragments of the walls and two towers remain. The structure is in ruins and heavily covered by vegetation.

Where does the name Xinquer come from? It comes from the former Muslim hamlet (alquería) that stood beside the castle, finally abandoned during the Spanish Civil War.

Is the route to the castle difficult? You can drive as far as the forest track, but the rest of the way is on foot along a mountain path — reasonable fitness and proper footwear are needed for the uneven terrain.