- Alcalà de Xivert
Alcalà de Xivert is a town and
municipality in easternSpain , in the province of Castellón, part ofValencia (autonomous community) . Its population (2002 figures) was 6,164 inhabitants.The town is located in a narrow valley between the two mountain ranges of Irta and Murs. It occupies a strong position for the control of the routes along the Mediterranean coast. Here stood a Moorish castle (the name of the town derives from Arabic "al-qalat" = "the castle") that was captured by
James I of Aragon in 1234, who also resettled the place with Christian villagers.In contemporary times the economy of the town is devoted mainly to tourism, with several beaches and a busy marina.
The landmark of the town is the Esglèsia de Sant Joan Baptista (Church of Saint John the Baptist), built in 1736-1766, with a large dome, a noteworthy Baroque portal, and an 68m high tower, which is visible from many miles away.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.