Tales Castle

Tales Castle sits on a rocky spur above the small town of Tales, in the province of Castellón, in Spain's La Plana Baixa district. Only ruins remain today, yet the site carries traces of several centuries of conquest, resettlement and conflict that shaped this corner of the historic Kingdom of Valencia.

Where does the castle stand?

The fortress occupies a steep outcrop right at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the rooftops of Tales below. The position was no accident: it commanded the surrounding valleys and gave early warning of any approach. The town itself grew out of a small Muslim farmstead (alquería) that for centuries was administratively tied to nearby Onda, only becoming independent in 1842. The castle is generally attributed to that Arab period, in line with most strongholds scattered across the Sierra de Espadán range, which places its original construction in the 12th century.

How many building phases does it have?

Archaeological work has identified three distinct construction phases. The earliest forms the original core of the whole complex and most likely dates back to the Muslim period, before the territory passed into Christian hands.

Who took over the castle after the conquest?

Following the Christian conquest, King Jaime I granted the lands of Tales to the knight Ximén de Foces in 1237. The area's first settlement charter (carta puebla) was issued on 28 April 1248. The lordship later passed to Pere de Castellnou, traditionally credited with founding the town as it exists today, since he resettled it on 26 May 1260. Under this arrangement, the population was organised into two separate communities: a Christian one led by a judge, and a Muslim one headed by a qadi.

What happened after the expulsion of the Moriscos?

The expulsion of the Morisco population left the settlement without inhabitants for a time. Repopulation came in 1616, arranged by Germano Garcerán, royal commissioner of the Order of Montesa, who brought in "old Christian" settlers to replace the departed community.

Why is the castle in ruins today?

The fortress suffered its decisive blow in the 19th century, during the Carlist Wars. In 1839, troops loyal to the Carlist general Ramón Cabrera entrenched themselves inside the castle. They were defeated and driven out by forces under General O'Donnell, and the fighting left both the castle and much of the town in ruins. It was never rebuilt afterwards.

What survives on site today?

Sections of wall and structural remains still trace the outline of the fortress along the steep ridge above the cliff. Among the features that stand out within the ruins is a tower known as the Cabrera Tower, named after the general whose troops made their stand there in 1839, along with another known as the Death Tower. Given its historical value, the whole complex has been given heritage protection as a site of cultural interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Tales Castle? The fortress was most likely raised during the Muslim period, in the 12th century, as one of several strongholds guarding the Sierra de Espadán range.

When did the castle pass into Christian hands? After the conquest, King Jaime I granted the land to Ximén de Foces in 1237, and a formal settlement charter followed in 1248.

Why is the castle ruined today? Its ruin was sealed during the Carlist Wars in 1839, when General Cabrera's troops, entrenched inside, were defeated by forces led by General O'Donnell.

Is it worth visiting the ruins of Tales Castle? Yes — the site combines historical interest with sweeping views from the cliff above the town, and the surviving wall and tower remains still hint at the fortress's original layout.