Village
Albocàsser is the capital of the comarca of L'Alt Maestrat, in the province of Castellón, with 1,370 inhabitants (INE 2025) and seat of the Valltorta-Gassulla Cultural Park. It received a charter of settlement in 1239 from Blasco de Alagón, lieutenant of Jaime I, and belonged successively to the orders of Calatrava, of the Temple and of Montesa, the latter until the 19th century. During the Civil War it was, together with Ares del Maestrat, Benassal and Vilar de Canes, a testing target for Nazi Germany's air force. The municipality, located in a corridor of less than 600 metres of altitude between the Carbonera and Morellana-Valltorta ravines, preserves a landscape of holm oaks and garrigue scrubland with aromatic bushes.
Monument
The Templar castle of Albocàsser (Castellón) was built in 1249 as a stronghold of the Order of the Temple, with an irregular Gothic plan of two courtyards, three levels and two galleries. In 1289, Artal d'Alagó ordered its extension with two towers at the main corners, which gave it its present appearance. In 1319 it passed to the Order of Montesa, and in 1558 further renovations were carried out. Today only ruins remain: stretches of wall and a few towers. The complex has been listed as Bien de Interés Cultural (Spain's highest level of heritage protection) since 27 July 2004.
Nature
The Valltorta ravine, about 20 kilometres long with eroded limestone walls, runs between the municipalities of Albocàsser, Tírig and Les Coves de Vinromà, in the comarca of L'Alt Maestrat (Castellón). It holds one of the most important groups of Levantine rock art on the Iberian Peninsula, with 21 painted rock shelters, among them the Cueva de los Caballos and the Coves del Civil. The paintings, of hunters armed with bows and arrows, mainly depict deer, wild goats and wild boar, in scenes of hunting and everyday life. In 1998 this group was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, within the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula, and a museum located in the ravine serves as an interpretation centre.
Curiosity
A group of 27 rock shelters with Levantine-style rock paintings, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and regarded as the 'Sistine Chapel' of Levantine rock art.
Activity
Albocàsser's patronal festival is in honour of the Virgen de la Asunción, held in mid-August over about ten days with bous al carrer; on 7 December the traditional cantà de les cartes is also sung.
Curiosity
A route through eight municipalities of the comarca of L'Alt Maestrat, showcasing their historical, natural and cultural heritage along a medieval path.
Monument
The Ermita de Sant Miquel in Albocàsser stands in the Sant Miquel area, about six kilometres from the village, on the old road to Catí, within the district of Alt Maestrat. Built in 1481 by order of Lluís Despuig, master of the Order of Montesa, it has a rectangular plan and a porch on its façade; above the entrance door a loft survives, which probably served as a choir. In 1599 it underwent major renovations, and in 1602 the altarpiece was painted, later destroyed during the last Civil War. Already in the 20th century, on 11 May 1980, a bell was blessed and installed. The site was the traditional setting for the festivities in honour of Saint Michael during the grape harvest.
Monument
The Ermitorio de Sant Pau in Albocàsser lies about three kilometres from the town, at the junction of the roads to La Torre d'en Besora and Vilafranca. The complex, a bien de interés cultural with monument status (Spain's highest level of heritage protection), originates from a hermitage documented since 1568; the present building was built around 1590 and completed around 1610, and the adjoining guesthouse was finished in 1617. The two porticoed side wings were added in the 18th century. The complex suffered serious damage in 1936, with the loss of important works of art, and has undergone successive restorations since 1979; since 2009 its former guesthouse has housed the tourist office, alongside the centuries-old ivy, considered a natural monument, growing next to its entrance.
Historical milestone
Blasco de Alagón, lieutenant of James I, handed over the place in 1239 to thirty settlers by means of a settlement charter; the territory later passed through the Order of Calatrava, the Temple and finally Montesa until the 19th century.
Food and drink
A stew of wild rabbit with mountain snails, sofrito and herbs, a game dish characteristic of these lands; the village's baking revolves around the almond, with almendrados, mostachones and honeyed almonds.