History of Almassora

Iberians and Romans

Torrelló de Boverot was inhabited from about 1200 BC until roughly 160-140 BC. From Roman times there are remains of irrigation channels, a possible inn on the Via Augusta and underwater traces of a possible port.

Muslim Almassora

The castle is of Muslim origin and stands on Iberian and Bronze Age remains. Near the hermitage of San José a Muslim necropolis was found, belonging to a farmstead from before the conquest. The name may be Arabic, though this is uncertain.

Conquest and lordship

James I conquered the town in 1234 and in 1237 the founding charter was granted, under Aragonese law. The medieval bridge of La Pila is first documented in 1278, and in 1312 the lordship passed to the Bishop of Tortosa.

Early modern period

In 1647, during a plague epidemic, the hermitage of Santa Quiteria served as a refuge and hospital. Between 1784 and 1790 the Puente Nuevo was built over the Mijares, directed by Bartolomé Ribelles Dalmau, and on 9 March 1810 there was a clash with French troops.

19th and 20th centuries

In 1886 work began on the irrigation dam, a project by Salvador Flors, which opened in 1895. By the late 19th century the town had grown towards the Castelló suburb and the Calvario. A reminder of Valencian Art Nouveau is the Casa del Médico Castell, from 1905. Ceramics is now its main activity.

Timeline

Around 1200 BC

Torrelló de Boverot is inhabited.

1234

James I conquers Almassora.

1237

Founding charter under Aragonese law.

1312

Lordship passes to the Bishop of Tortosa.

1647

Plague turns Santa Quiteria into a hospital.

1784-1790

Puente Nuevo built.

9 March 1810

Clash with French troops.

1895

Irrigation dam opens.