History of Benicarló

Origins

The oldest remains are the Iberian settlements of La Tossa and Puig de la Nau. Today's town descends from Beni-Gazlum, a farmstead of Peñíscola in the last Muslim period.

Charter and military orders

On 14 June 1236 James I granted the founding charter, under the law of Zaragoza, with the name «Benicastló». In 1294 it passed to the Templars and in 1319 to Montesa, under which it began a period of growth. In 1370 Peter the Ceremonious allowed goods to be loaded and unloaded on its beaches free of charge.

Early modern period

In 1521 the Germanías rebels besieged it for its loyalty to the King and to Montesa. On 20 October 1523 Charles I gave it the title of villa and an annual fair. In 1556 it suffered an assault by Turkish pirates; in the mid-17th century a bubonic plague killed more than 500 people and a pest later destroyed most of the vineyards. In 1706 it surrendered to General Asfeld in the War of the Spanish Succession.

19th and 20th centuries

The 19th century brought urban growth and a landing pier. On 22 October 1926 Alfonso XIII granted it city status, and between 1931 and 1944 the present harbour was built. On 3 April 1938 Italian aircraft bombed it and 24 people died. In the 1960s it received many migrants. The artichoke festival began in 1994 and has been of Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community since 2014.

Timeline

14 June 1236

Founding charter from James I.

1294

Passes to the Templars.

1319

Passes to the Order of Montesa.

20 October 1523

Charles I grants the title of villa.

22 October 1926

City status.

3 April 1938

Italian bombing.