History of Alcalà de Xivert

Prehistory and antiquity

Around 9000 BC there is Epipalaeolithic stone industry in the Cova dels Diablets. There are also Eneolithic, Iberian and Roman remains, including a necropolis with an Egyptian scarab and Punic and Greek pottery.

Muslim era and the Templars

The walls of the fortress and the medina of Chivert date from the 10th to 12th centuries. In 1234 the Templars granted a charter to the Muslim population of Chivert, in 1251 the Christian settlement of Alcalá was founded and in 1330 the second settlement charter of Alcossebre was given. After the Templars the commandery passed to Montesa and in 1592 to the Crown.

Early modern period

In 1547 the town repelled an attack by Barbary pirates, and in 1586 another on the Cap i Corb watchtower, built in 1427. In 1632 Chivert and Santa Magdalena de Pulpis joined Alcalá, and in 1663 Alcossebre. In 1736 the first stone of the church of San Juan Bautista was laid.

19th and 20th centuries

Santa Magdalena de Pulpis split off in the 19th century. In 1900 there were more than 6,000 inhabitants. In the 1970s irrigation spread and the tourist boom reached the coast.

Timeline

1234

Charter for the Muslim population of Chivert.

1251

Christian settlement of Alcalá.

1427

Cap i Corb tower.

1592

Commandery passes to the Crown.

1632

Chivert and Santa Magdalena join Alcalá.

1736

First stone of San Juan Bautista church.

1996

Official name Alcalà de Xivert.