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Argelita

Argelita is located in the Alto Mijares region, next to the Argelita River or Villahermosa. Its term occupies 15.5 km2 and is 40 km from Castellón. It is located in the valley that forms the Villahermosa River and is surrounded by high mountains, as well as irrigated orchards that its inhabitants have been cultivating throughout history. Its pleasant temperature and its beautiful landscapes mean that its population increases significantly in summer.

 

Argelita

 

HISTORY

The municipality of Argelita, of Arab origin, belonged to Abu Zeyd in the thirteenth century who was the last Almohad governor of Valencia. His enemies cornered him and he finally retreated to the palace of this town, where he converted to Christianity giving his belongings to the church and the Christian nobility. After the Reconquista the municipality belonged to the Crown in 1491.

Later, the municipality passed into the hands of the Arenós family and on October 5, 1609, it was uninhabited, so on February 23, 1611, Mr. Pedro Escribá and Zapata, the new Lord of Argelita, granted Carta Pobla to 24 new families that repopulated the town.

Before being the province of Castellón, the Varonía de Argelita belonged to the Marquis of Monistrol within the government of Morella.

 

MONUMENTS OF INTEREST

Its history gives it an important heritage of great relevance. Stresses the parish church, the seventeenth century baroque style of a single nave with a bell, dedicated to Santa Ana. Inside is the relic of the Holy Cross. Next to it we find the Square Tower that should have been the main body of the palace of Abu Zeyd and next to it, the Round Tower that was part of the exterior structure of the palace and that currently houses two museums. Nestled in a high mountain of almost 800 meters stands the Castle of La Mola of the "Bou Negre", "La Mola", an Arab fortification that is currently in ruins.

 

Argelita

 

NATURAL ENCHANTMENTS

Argelita is also known for its sources: the Barranco del Sabinar, the Pescadón, the Laguna, the Pozo Negro or the Santa Cruz. Also worth noting is the fountain of Los Ignacios that springs up between enormous rocks, next to which we can enjoy a pleasant day in its picnic areas. However, it is in the Argelita River where the inhabitants and visitors enjoy their crystal clear waters.

 

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

San Antonio Abad is celebrated on January 17, a festival in which a procession of animals takes place, rolls are distributed and a bonfire is made in honor of the saint. On May 3 a procession is held in honor of the feast of the Holy Cross. In the first half of August the summer parties are celebrated, with dances and festivals, just like the first Sunday of October in honor of the Virgen del Rosario.