El Paraíso TEMPLARIO (SORPRENDENTE!)

To the northeast of the province of Castellón, between the inland valleys and the Mediterranean coast, lies a mountainous area that creates a microclimate where varied vegetation and native fauna thrive. This is the Serra d'Irta, whose unique characteristics quickly caught the attention of the Knights Templar. The northern coastal area of ​​what is now the province of Castellón has always been a very fertile territory, as evidenced by the number of alquerías (farms for agricultural exploitation created by the Andalusians), with their corresponding irrigation systems (waterwheels, canals, wells, ponds, etc.). Therefore, this area was considered of great interest to an Order as hardworking, in every sense, as the Templars. This territory is none other than the paradisiacal Serra d'Irta, where the Templars were able to find ways to coexist with the Hispano-Muslims, the previous owners of this territory. Due to its proximity to the sea, the mountains of this mountain range descend steeply, forming numerous cliffs, coves, ledges, and reefs along 12 kilometers. Its greatest unique feature is precisely the combination of sea and mountains in just a few meters, which allows splendid panoramic views of the coast from the highest peaks, and even the Columbretes Islands, off the Costa del Azahar. The former citadels became triple-enclosed military fortresses, and the villages became centers of agricultural and livestock production. All of this depended on the Templar commanders, who built three solid castles: Peñíscola, Polpís, and Xivert; curiously, all three of Hispano-Muslim origin. The first, on the coast, on a peninsula-shaped islet—hence the name of the place; and the next two, mountainous. Although the Templars' presence in Peñíscola was late, this citadel owes its most spectacular achievements to the Knights of the Cross of the Eight Beatitudes. The land and sea fortress—known as "El Macho"—forms a harmonious ensemble that rises from the rock itself, 46 meters above sea level. The castle, which has its own pier, was built on the remains of the Muslim citadel. The direct architects were Friar Berenguer de Cardona, then Provincial Master of the Order of the Temple, and Friar Arnaldo de Banyuls, who was the Templar Commander of Peñíscola. The coats of arms of both are preserved sculpted in different places within the fortress.