church of the Holy Family

The Church of the Holy Family (Sagrada Família) sits right at the heart of La Vilavella, a small town in the Plana Baja district of Castellón province. The building stands on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, next to the town hall, making it an easy landmark to find while exploring the town.

How do you get there?

La Vilavella is located in Castellón province, close to the Costa del Azahar coastline. The church stands right in the town centre, on the main square, so finding it is straightforward — just head for the town hall. The town is well connected to nearby Castellón de la Plana, making it easy to reach by car or local public transport.

What's the history behind the building?

The current parish church was built in 1756 in the Corinthian style, characteristic of religious architecture of that period, with ornately decorated capitals and classicizing proportions. The temple stood for nearly two centuries before being severely damaged in 1936, during the Spanish Civil War. Of the original structure, essentially only the outer walls survived.

Reconstruction took place in stages: the first restoration work was carried out in 1951, followed by a more extensive renovation completed in 1956. Later conservation efforts also restored the polychrome paintings in the Communion Chapel (Capilla de la Comunión), a project made possible through cooperation between the parish, the La Vilavella town council, the Castellón Provincial Council, and the Generalitat Valenciana, with support from the Valencian Institute for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.

What will you see inside and around the church?

The interior blends elements rebuilt in the 20th century with fragments that survived the destruction — the walls themselves bear witness to the building's turbulent history. Worth a closer look is the Communion Chapel, with its restored murals, one of the most valuable decorative features inside the church. Its position on the town hall square makes the church a natural backdrop for local community life, hosting processions, patronal festivities, and other events tied to the town's liturgical calendar.

What's its heritage status?

The parish church of the Sagrada Família in La Vilavella is a Catholic place of worship listed as a Bien de Relevancia Local (Asset of Local Relevance) under the fifth additional provision of Law 5/2007 of 9 February, issued by the Generalitat Valenciana. This designation confirms the building's historical and architectural value for the region.

When's the best time to visit?

Since this is still an active parish, the best time to visit is during opening hours outside of Mass times, when you can take a calm look at the interior. La Vilavella is also known for its natural thermal springs and spa tradition, so a visit to the church pairs well with exploring the nearby baths and a short walk around the rest of the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same church as the famous Sagrada Família in Barcelona? No. This is an independent parish church in La Vilavella (Castellón) that shares the same dedication — the Holy Family (Sagrada Família) — but has no architectural or historical connection to Gaudí's basilica in Barcelona.

How old is the building? The current structure dates from 1756, though after being damaged in 1936 it was rebuilt between 1951 and 1956.

Can visitors go inside? Yes, as an active parish the church is open to worshippers and visitors during set hours, outside of Mass times.

What's the highlight of a visit? The Communion Chapel with its restored murals, and the exterior walls that survived the destruction of the Civil War period.