On the coast of Castellón, nestled among orange groves and just steps from the Mediterranean Sea, lies a town unlike any other in the region. Mascarell is not just a village—it is a true open-air museum, where every meter of street recalls bygone eras. Here, there is no rush of big cities; instead of typical tourist routes, you’ll find quiet, ancient walls, and the sense that time has stopped forever.
Unlike most towns in Valencia, Mascarell has preserved its medieval layout almost unchanged. Its most distinctive feature is its fully intact defensive walls, which encircle the town. This is the only such example in the entire autonomous community, and one of just two in all of Spain. Within the fortress walls, life moves at a measured pace, and every house, every alley seems to breathe history.
Medieval Fortress
Mascarell was founded in the early 14th century and has retained its unique character ever since. The defensive walls, built in 1553, form an almost perfect square about 650 meters long. The walls rise up to seven meters high, and a square tower stands at the center of each side. You can enter the town through two ancient arches—Portal de l’Orta and Portal de Valencia, the latter of which still serves as the main gateway today.
Once, a deep moat surrounded the walls, protecting residents from invaders. Today, an irrigation canal runs in its place, nourishing local gardens and fields. It stands as a reminder of the military past while remaining a vital part of modern village life, where agriculture still plays an important role.
An atmosphere beyond time
Inside the fortress, there’s a unique atmosphere. Only about two hundred people live here, and each one takes pride in their town. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to the main landmarks: the San Agustín church with its exquisite Baroque frescoes, the old town hall, and four miniature chapels built right into the walls. All this creates the feeling of stepping into a historical movie set—except here, everything is real.
Mascarell has gone through periods of decline more than once. After the expulsion of the Muslims from nearby Burriana in the 14th century, the village was almost deserted, and it wasn’t until the 18th century that life here revived. Today, visitors come not only for the architecture but also for special events. The most famous is the annual medieval fair in November, when the town fills with music, artisans, and street performers.
A neighbor to a unique lighthouse
Just one kilometer from Mascarell lies Nules—a town that also boasts a remarkable landmark. Here stands the world’s only square lighthouse, built in the shape of a bell tower. This architectural curiosity has become a true symbol of the area and gives travelers yet another reason to visit this corner of Castellón.
The lighthouse not only serves its primary function but also highlights the uniqueness of the region. Together with Mascarell, it forms a unique tandem where past and present intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Tourists who come here are often surprised by how harmoniously the medieval walls blend with the modern rural landscapes.
Living history
Every year, thousands of people come to Mascarell to walk along the ancient walls, peek into old houses, and feel the breath of history. Here, you won’t find the crowds typical of tourist centers, but there is a real opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past. Local residents are happy to share their traditions, show visitors their gardens, and even stamp travelers’ passports so they never forget their visit to this enchanting town.
Mascarell is not just an architectural monument, but living proof that even in the 21st century you can still find corners where history is not only preserved, but continues. Here, every stone, every door, and even the silence of the streets reminds you that time is a relative concept, and sometimes it can slow down to the barely perceptible shuffle of footsteps over cobblestones.
Mascarell is a unique village in the province of Castellón, completely surrounded by medieval walls. Its history dates back to the 14th century, and its current appearance took shape after restoration in the 18th century. The main attractions are its defensive walls, the church of San Agustín, and its unusual square towers. In nearby Nules stands the world’s only square lighthouse, which has become a symbol of the region. Mascarell attracts thousands of tourists every year, especially during the medieval fair, and is considered one of the most authentic places in eastern Spain.
