Vincci only offers 4- and 5-star hotels in Castellón
Vincci Castellón 4*
Hotel with an ideal location for combining business and leisure in the capital of Costa Azahar.
Sobre Castellón
The original city was built by royal decree of Jaime 1st in 1251, nowadays however there is very little left of what was the original structure not even the city walls remain all due to the massive expansion of the city in the 18th century. The commercialisation of the sugar cane industry in the area brought on the boom, which in turn led to the city being rebuilt to the splendour of today, full of beautiful houses and churches.
Castellon de la Plana is a city, which has entered 21st century without losing any of its history or cultural background. An excellent example of this are the “Fiestas de la Magdalena” which celebrate the city’s history. The “Cabalgata del Prego” or “Pregos’ Parade” passes through the city during the “fiestas” a walking living story book with costumes and dances revealing the city’s past. A huge march called “la Romeria de les Canyes” is also very popular in celebration to the citys’ saint leads you right up the chapel. And if your more of a night owl there is the magical evening procession in which the huge lamps called Gaiatas are carried through the streets in remembrance of the city’s first inhabitants.
Just 4 kilometrs from the city centre you’ll find Grao it was on these sand banks that the cities fishing industry was born. It was here, on this stretch of sand where the first fishermen in the area unloaded there catch, their families later moved to the area only then to pave way to the building of the port in the 19th century. The area today is a very popular area for leisure activities some of which include the Planetario and the leisure centre Plaza del Mar.
All this being said, what you’ll find upon visiting Castellon de la Plana is a modern city which welcomes the visitor with open arms. A city in which the taste of the old, the mountain and the sea can all be found in its’ people, in its’ streets and in its’ gastronomic offerings all of which can be found by taking a stroll around the Plaza Mayor.
TOURIST ROUTE
EL CAMPANARIO DEL FADRI
Commonly known as El Fadri, this octagonal 58 metre bell tower is one of the most spectacular buildings in the city. The tower’s 8 bells’ having been sounding in the hours and other events in the city since the 16th century. Inside you can also find a pottery workshop of quite significance.
- Address: Calle Arcipreste Balaguer,1
- Opening times: 0730 till 1300 and 1700 till 2000
- Admission free.
BASILICA DEL LLEDO
Set aside from the urban centre, the Basilica de la Mare del Deu del Lledo is still a part of life for the residents of Castellon. You’ll find an image of the city’s patron saint in the chapel originally built in the 14th century, since then it has gone through several upgrades one of which, the buildings façade, was built in the 16th century.
- Address: Partida de la Plana
- Opening times:0800 till 1800. Summer 0800 till 2100.
PLAZA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA
La Farola, the monument in the centre of the square is the main point of interest, this modern iron structure was erected in honour of the city’s patron saint. Declared as a historic-artistic point of interest the square is also surrounded by the beautiful houses of Alcon, Ciguenas and Calduch, the most modern expression of architecture you’ll find in Castellon.
ACTIVITIES
EL PLANETARIO
Situated in Grao, besides the fantastic projections here you can also find a multitude of temporary expositions along with the information centre of the Islas Columbretes. In this centre you’ll find all the information you’ll need to find out about the flowers and wildlife on the islands.
- Address: Paseo Maritimo, 1
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 1100 till 1300 and 1630 till 2000. Sundays from 1100 till 1400
DESERT DE LAS PALMES
On the outskirts of the city, a strange place to take an excursion, nonetheless this being one of the most emblematic places in the area due to it’s wildlife and fauna along with the old ruins of the monastry carmelita of great importance to the monk order. Here you can see eagles, reptiles and amphibians along with a wide array of flowers and trees.
- Address: The visitors centre is in the town of Benicassim on the “Finca de la Bartola”. Take the motorway from Magdalene to the Desert, kilometre 8.
