One of the most amazing castles in the Valencian Community is located in the municipality of Cortes de Pallás, in the interior of Valencia: The Castle of Chirel.
In this article I will tell you about the hiking route that will allow you to visit this historic castle, how to get there and other curiosities of the area. Stay until the end to discover them!
Location of Chirel Castle
As it passes through the interior of Valencia, the Júcar River meanders along the bottom of impressive canyons carved between mountains by the flow of water over millennia.
The river, although tame, seems very abundant in this part of its course: it is the result of the Cortes de Pallás Reservoir, which retains the waters along more than 17 kilometers, between Cortes de Pallás and Cofrentes, with an average width of more than 150 meters from bank to bank.
This amazing swamp of turquoise waters can be visited thanks to the river cruise that connects both towns, undoubtedly one of the most recommended nature tourism activities in the province of Valencia.
To admire the beauty and grandeur of this landscape, the Chirel Castle is one of the best viewpoints from which to contemplate this natural wonder, thanks to its strategic location at an altitude of over 600 meters.
Route to Chirel Castle
The Chirel Castle Route can be started in the town of Cofrentes, following the PR-CV 382 short distance path, although most people make the short climb that begins next to the paved forest track that connects Cofrentes with the river pier and some of the villages of Cortes de Pallás.
The short route from the forest trail is 3 kilometers long (round trip) and overcomes a 200 m. ascent. It is an out and back route that most people would describe as easy or very easy.
The initial part of the ascent is the one with the steepest slope, the ascent being made along a path between pines with the terrain stepped thanks to wooden steps. After this first part, the slope decreases and the final approach to the castle is very simple and with a beautiful view of the gorges of the Júcar river and the reservoir of Cortes de Pallás.
Data sheet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Round Trip Route
- Distance: 3 km
- Elevation gain: +200 meters
- Approximate time: 1 hour (no stops)
- Publication date: February 2024
History of Chirel Castle
Although there was previously an Iberian settlement in this location, the castle of Chirel was built, like many others in the Valencian Community, in the period of Muslim domination.
The history of this fortress is linked to the surveillance of the roads between the farmhouses located between what today would be the towns of Cofrentes and Cortes de Pallás. The inhabitants of these small farmsteads were dedicated to agriculture, thanks to the water provided by the Júcar river.
After the Christian conquest of the Kingdom of Valencia by James I, the castle underwent a series of renovations (1276-77 and 1398-1403), which gave the castle its current appearance, highlighting elements of Gothic XV century.
An important episode in the castle of Chirel occurred during the Moorish revolt of Cortes de Pallás, a time when the fortress was used as a base of operations to quell the rebellion. These events occurred after the decree of expulsion of the Moorish population of the Kingdom of Valencia promulgated by Philip III in 1609. After the decree multiple revolts originated in areas such as Cortes de Pallás or La Vall de Laguar (Alicante).
Restorations
The castle we can visit today is the result of several restorations and consolidations, as the original was seriously damaged by the great earthquake that hit the region in 1748. The last restoration dates back to 2022, during which the south front was consolidated and protective metal railings were installed.
Recommendations for the Visit
The Castle of Chirel is declared BIC – Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Interest Good) due to its high patrimonial value and therefore it is protected by the state legislation.
During your visit, you must not perform any actions that could damage or alter this cultural legacy.
On the other hand, keep in mind that there are potentially dangerous areas, such as cuttings, ditches or wells, etc.
The castle can be visited on your own and it is the responsibility of those who come to visit this heritage jewel to maintain the good condition of the castle with our behavior.
Do not leave trash and let your photographs be the only proof of your visit to this place. Thanks!
Track for GPS
Below you can download the GPS track via wikiloc of the route to the castle of Chirel. This is the track of the user Casiaventurilla.
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