mountain hike to castle in alcala de xivert

This is how we spent the last day – hiking up to the castle in Alcala de Xivert. To my husband’s surprise there actually is a (rocky) road to the top and they are doing works to preserve the castle – pretty skillfully done in most areas if I may say. I know it is not as old as the pyramids in Egypt, but this certainly is one of the oldest buildings I have been to as it is dating back to the14th century before AD (not 12th like I mentioned before).

And one can actually see how the building style has changes from one time to another, especially as there are other buildings likely from more medieval times around the castle.  Pretty amazing castle as well as the views over the valley, hills on the back and even the shoreline in the horizon!

Times change and there is now a road and parking area leading to the castle

The castle dates back to 14th century AD

Some of the outer walls

The area has pretty free roaming despite being on steep hillside, I like that the nanny state has not made it here yet

Pretty impressive walls and I think the restoration has been done quite gracefully

The highest part remaining – the steps lead to a 3-floor tower but one can only peak through the door at the moment

There are several smaller houses surrounding the castle

The castle was not that small when one looks at it as a whole

Amazingly there are several little castles and other historic sights within short distance, and the local tourist office did not even think these were worth mentioning!