Iglesia de Santa Ana de Argelita

Iglesia de Santa Ana is the parish church of Argelita, a small village in the Alto Mijares district of Castellón province. It stands on the town's main square and is listed as a Site of Local Heritage Relevance (Bien de Relevancia Local), reflecting its importance to the village's history and townscape.

How old is the church and what style is it?

The building dates back to the 17th century and was raised in the Baroque style, specifically its ornate Churrigueresque variant, recognizable by its rich decorative detail. It has a single nave and a bell tower attached to the main structure. Interestingly, the church was built right next to the site of the former palace of the Muslim ruler Zeyt Abu Zeit. Only two towers of that older palace survive today — one square, one round — and the round one carries an inscription dated to 1252. Both towers now hold a small museum collection tied to the village's past.

What can you see inside?

The most notable object kept inside the church is a relic of the Holy Cross, brought from Rome and donated to the parish in 1756 by Father Baciero, a Dominican friar. This relic is the focus of Argelita's most important religious celebration, the Fiesta de la Santa Cruz, held every year on May 3. On that day, even villagers who moved away for work return home, underlining how central this feast day is to the community.

The parish belongs to archpriesthood number 9, dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, headquartered in Onda, within the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón.

How do you get to Argelita?

Argelita sits inland, in the hilly Alto Mijares district, and is best reached by car. The drive winds through terrain typical of interior Castellón province, with plenty of curves and views over the surrounding hills. It makes a convenient stop for anyone touring other villages in the same district.

What else is there to see nearby?

A short distance from the village center lie the ruins of Castillo de Buey Negro, also known as La Mola del Bou Negre, dating from the Arab period — a worthwhile target for hikers. The Villahermosa river runs nearby, forming natural pools that are popular for swimming in the summer months. Those who prefer a longer walk can follow the Ruta Canaleta, a circular route through scenic countryside around the village.

It's worth timing a visit around one of the local festivals: San Antonio Abad in January, Santa Cruz in May (the most important one), the Virgen festival in August, and Virgen del Rosario in October. After sightseeing, sample regional dishes such as olla de col — a cabbage, bean and potato stew — or sopa de caldo.

When is the best time to visit?

The days around May 3 are the best time to come, when the church and the whole village come alive for the Santa Cruz feast and the streets are busier than usual. Summer is ideal for pairing a visit with a swim in the Villahermosa river, while autumn and winter suit travelers looking for quiet and the mountain scenery of Alto Mijares.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Iglesia de Santa Ana in Argelita? The church dates from the 17th century and was built in the Baroque Churrigueresque style.

What is kept inside the church? It houses a relic of the Holy Cross, brought from Rome and donated to the parish in 1756 by Father Baciero, a Dominican friar.

Are there other historic remains near the church? Yes — right beside it stand two surviving towers from the former palace of the Muslim ruler Zeyt Abu Zeit, including a round tower inscribed with the date 1252, now open as a small museum.

When is the main religious festival tied to the church? The Fiesta de la Santa Cruz takes place every May 3 and draws back even villagers who have permanently left Argelita.