Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Benafer
Benafer is a municipality and village located in the comarca of Alto Palancia, in the province of Castellón, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level.
The origins of the village go back to the Iberian period when the area was first settled. However, the foundation of the town as it is known today would not take place until the Moorish period in the Peninsula. After the Christian reconquest it was included as part of the county of Jérica, although its control would later change hands on several occasions.
In modern times, during the Civil War, its strategic position halfway between Aragon and Valencia meant this area saw some of the bloodiest fighting of the conflict. In fact, the town suffered drastically from the ravages of war and much of the town centre had to be rebuilt. Today it is still possible to find some traces of the war in the remains of the trenches that surround the town.
Among the points of architectural interest in the municipality are the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with its monumental fountain, and buildings such like the Town Hall and Las Escuelas, rebuilt in the 1940s. The Church of El Salvador, dating from the 17th century, and two recently restored old washhouses are also worth mentioning.
This municipality in Castellón also boasts important natural attractions, such as the Cerdanya Cave, a large cave with fine examples of stalactites and stalagmites. Mount Peñáguila also stands out, along with the many springs in the area, some of which we can encounter on the route.
Benafer's most important local festivals are held in honour of San Salvador and San Roque, both during the month of August, when there are a succession of celebrations and pilgrimages in the village.