The Castell Vell
The first settlement grew on the Magdalena hill under the protection of the Castell Vell, also called the Fadrell castle. That medieval «little castle» gave the city its name, which from 1290 prevailed in the form Castelló.
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History of Castelló de la Plana
Castelló de la Plana, the provincial capital, was born in two stages: first on the Magdalena hill, beside a Muslim castle, and then on the plain, where James I allowed the town to move in the mid-13th century.
Moving down to the plain
James I gave permission to move down to the plain on 8 September 1251, the date taken as the founding of today's town; tradition says 1252, and sources also cite 1239 and 1272.
Early modern period
The first official Spanish reference to «Castellón» dates from 1609, and the form «Castellón de la Plana» became common in the 18th century.
The 19th century
In July 1837 it withstood a three-day Carlist siege, and that November Isabella II granted it city status. In 1876 Alfonso XII added the title «Constante».
The 20th century and today
The economy moved from farming (citrus, rice, hemp) to industry: tiles, chemicals and oil refining. The city grew fast and not always in an orderly way. The Universitat Jaume I was founded in 1991.
Timeline
- 1290
- The form «Castelló» prevails.
- 8 September 1251
- James I authorises the move to the plain.
- July 1837
- Withstands a three-day Carlist siege.
- November 1837
- Isabella II grants city status.
- 1991
- Universitat Jaume I founded.
Text written by Zona Zero TV from public sources; early dates vary between authors. Sources: Castellón de la Plana (Hispanopedia, basado en Wikipedia, CC BY-SA). Checked on 1/11/2026.