Castalla

History

James I of Aragon took the castle from the Moors after the conquest of Biar and integrated it into the Kingdom of Valencia, under the Treaty of Almizra (1244), was in Castalla border with Castile. For this reason, started rebuilding the castle and was consecrated the first church in the place where the present chapel of the Blood. Since its conquest, was awarded the property Castalla manor to. In 1336, King Pedro IV of Aragon became the property of the Crown. In 1362 the barony was created Castalla, which was donated to Don Ramon de Vilanova. The castle was inherited in 1729 by the Marquis de Dos Aguas, until in 1989 it became municipal property. During the War of Succession, and the whole region Castalla sided with the Bourbon side, and the result of this was that, after the war, Philip V granted him a number of privileges and the title of "Very Noble and Loyal Faithful." During the War of Independence two major military actions took place in Castalla. The First Battle of Castalla, which took place on 21 July 1812, was a major defeat for the Spanish army under José O'Donnell. However, the better-known Second Battle of Castalla on 13 April 1813 was an Anglo-Spanish triumph over Marshal Louis Gabriel Suchet's French army. In the second battle, a Spanish infantry division under the leadership of Samuel Ford Whittingham particularly distinguished itself by repelling French attacks. In 1890, Queen Regent Maria Cristina gave the town of Castalla the title of City. The economy of Castalla is based on farming (almonds, olives and grapes) and the industries of toys, construction materials, furniture and textile. The Moros i Cristians festival of Castalla is celebrated each September.