Medieval Castle
Frontera de la familia Urrea reconvertida en ermita de Sant Miquel
The Castle of Urrea is a medieval fortress associated with the Urrea family, an Aragonese lineage that controlled frontier territories in the comarca of l'Alcalatén during the Reconquista period. Its location in the hills of inland Castellón responded to the need to monitor and defend the region's passes against potential incursions.
The most recognisable remains of the complex are today linked to the Castle of Les Torrocelles, situated above the Llucena valley. This enclave began as a frontier outpost of the Urrea lineage and was eventually converted into the hermitage of Sant Miquel, which explains why its tower still stands whilst the walled settlement disappeared completely.
The reuse of the defensive compound as a place of worship was a common practice in the area during the Late Middle Ages, when many castles lost their military function and came to house hermitages or small rural churches. In this case, the keep survived thanks to its integration into the religious building.
The site is located in the surroundings of the Sierra de l'Alcalatén, approximately 30 km from the city of Castellón de la Plana. Access is typical of a mountainous area, with roads not always suitable for conventional vehicles.
The association between the name "Urrea" and this territory is a relevant indicator of the influence that this noble clan had on the territorial organisation of inland Castellón during the medieval centuries.