Vilafamés

Vilafamés, a village in Spain's Castellón province, is a captivating blend of ancient history and artistic spirit. Its distinctive silhouette is defined by a medieval layout of narrow, winding streets and houses built from characteristic pink sandstone. This unique stone gives many of the buildings a warm, reddish hue, earning Vilafamés the moniker 'the red village'. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site and one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, Vilafamés offers expansive views of the surrounding olive and almond groves and agricultural plains.

With a population of around 1,900 inhabitants, Vilafamés maintains a quiet charm, inviting visitors to wander its historic core and discover its layered past. From prehistoric human remains to a Moorish castle and a renowned contemporary art museum, the village presents a diverse cultural landscape. It is a place where tradition and artistic expression coexist, offering a glimpse into a history that spans millennia.

Traces of Ancient Inhabitants

The history of Vilafamés stretches back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings in the area include remains of Homo neanderthalensis dating back between 120,000 and 80,000 BC. More recent vestiges from the Final Upper Magdalenian Period (13,000 - 12,000 BC) have been discovered at the Matutano Cave within the town, and in several Iberian settlements across the Plana de Vilafamés area. The rock art found in the Abric del Castell (Castle Shelter) from the Bronze Age further underscores the region's ancient human presence, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1998.

Moorish Origins and Christian Conquest

The village itself has Moorish origins, with its foundations and the enchanting urban layout of winding, narrow streets dating back to around the 10th or 11th century. The castle, originally a Moorish fortress known as 'Beni-Hamez', stands as a testament to this period. King James I of Aragon conquered Vilafamés in 1233, and the town charter was confirmed in 1242. Throughout history, the town belonged to the religious order of Sant Joan l'Hospital until 1319, when it passed to the Order of Montesa.

Medieval Development and Later Conflicts

Following the Christian conquest, the village saw a new urban conception with more linear street layouts developing in the lower part of the town, contrasting with the earlier Andalusian design in the upper quarter. The castle underwent significant rebuilding and expansion, with its oldest elements dating back to the 14th century when the Master of the Order of Montesa ordered fortifications to be reinforced. The town's defensive walls, whose construction dates back to around 1375, also saw repairs and reconstructions over time. The castle suffered severe damage during the Carlist Wars in the 19th century, during which its distinctive circular central tower was built.

Modern Identity

Today, Vilafamés is recognized for its well-preserved medieval character and its commitment to culture. It was declared a Historic Site in 2005 and is a member of 'The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain' association. The village has also developed an industrial sector, primarily in tile manufacturing, and has a growing interest in wine tourism, alongside its established agricultural activities of olive groves, almond groves, and vineyards.

Begin your exploration in the historic center, an Asset of Cultural Interest, where narrow, steep streets wind through buildings constructed from the distinctive reddish rodeno stone. A prominent landmark is La Roca Grossa, a massive, tilted boulder weighing over 2,000 tons that appears to defy gravity. Locals say touching it and making three wishes will grant at least one.

Ascend to the Castell de Vilafamés, a hilltop fortress with Moorish origins that offers expansive views of the village and surrounding landscapes. While the castle has undergone many renovations, its 19th-century circular tower is a notable feature. Nearby, the Abric del Castell rock shelter holds significant Bronze Age cave paintings.

Descend to discover the Museu d'Art Contemporani Vicente Aguilera Cerni (MACVAC), housed in the 15th-century Gothic Palau del Batlle. This museum displays a collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned Spanish artists, acquired through artist donations. Other architectural highlights include the 16th-century Baroque Church of the Assumption and the medieval Church of the Blood, which underwent Baroque renovation in the 17th century.

Vilafamés enjoys a temperate climate year-round. For general outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from early June to mid-September, with a peak in the first week of July, when temperatures are comfortably between 65°F and 80°F. If you prefer warmer weather for activities like swimming, early July to late August is ideal, with perceived temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with spring bringing wildflowers and autumn showcasing the grape harvest.

Vilafamés is in the Province of Castellón, about 30 minutes from Castellón de la Plana and an hour from Valencia city. The easiest way to reach the village is by car, and there is a large parking lot below the historic center. Public transport is limited, with train and bus options from Valencia taking approximately 2.5 hours and having infrequent schedules, especially on Sundays. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the village features steep streets and stairs. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MACVAC) is open daily except Mondays, with a siesta break between 2 PM and 4 PM. Entry to the castle is free.