Vinaròs is a very pleasant destination in Spain, a sunny seaside resort where every visitor can enjoy 12,0 kilometres of Iberian coastline and a tastefully cuisine in the province of Castellón de la Plana in the northern side of the autonomous Valencian Community in a very attractive Comarca called Baix Maestrat on the scenic and captivating Mediterranean Costa del Azahar just south of the mouth of the Sénia river.
Situated in the large gulf of Valencia bordered by the municipalities of Alcanar, San Jorge, Benicarló, Uldecona and Càlig with its approximately official 29,000 inhabitants, Vinàros lies in a strategic position in the middle of the N340 National Road and Ap-7 Motorway linking Valencia to Barcelona bordering the province of Tarragona in the Catalan community and facing from its ample water front the Balearic Islands.
The Plana de Vinàros, a large local fertile plain has always played an important role for the municipality thanks to a fertile soil which permitted since centuries ago the implantation of different kinds of vegetables, fruit, citrons and vines favouring a notable agricultural activity.
That seaside town is well known to be a notorious destination for its long spendid beach, a mild climate all year, an important historic patrimony but also for its famed and delicious gastronomy especially highlighted by its delectable prawns boasting a notable prestige highly appreciated by thousands and thousands of people.
Its port in the past housed major shipyards and that town has in addition a long tradition of canning while in more recent times it gained importance as commercial and fishing centre with a a sensible development in terms of tourism in the last decades.
The hospitality industry very well developed with the presence of comfortable Hotels took advantage by the presence of that magnificent long coastal stretch which since a long time ago captured the attention of many visitors who found in that site a beloved sunny destination with several services and facilities to practise a wide range of water sports, a very inviting incentive especially in summer season.
Situated in the large gulf of Valencia bordered by the municipalities of Alcanar, San Jorge, Benicarló, Uldecona and Càlig with its approximately official 29,000 inhabitants, Vinàros lies in a strategic position in the middle of the N340 National Road and Ap-7 Motorway linking Valencia to Barcelona bordering the province of Tarragona in the Catalan community and facing from its ample water front the Balearic Islands.
The Plana de Vinàros, a large local fertile plain has always played an important role for the municipality thanks to a fertile soil which permitted since centuries ago the implantation of different kinds of vegetables, fruit, citrons and vines favouring a notable agricultural activity.
That seaside town is well known to be a notorious destination for its long spendid beach, a mild climate all year, an important historic patrimony but also for its famed and delicious gastronomy especially highlighted by its delectable prawns boasting a notable prestige highly appreciated by thousands and thousands of people.
Its port in the past housed major shipyards and that town has in addition a long tradition of canning while in more recent times it gained importance as commercial and fishing centre with a a sensible development in terms of tourism in the last decades.
The hospitality industry very well developed with the presence of comfortable Hotels took advantage by the presence of that magnificent long coastal stretch which since a long time ago captured the attention of many visitors who found in that site a beloved sunny destination with several services and facilities to practise a wide range of water sports, a very inviting incentive especially in summer season.
The origin of the town is pretty uncertain, in the current territory there was an old Iberian settlement called El Puig and that former village was visited by the Romans during the campaign of colonisation of the Iberian Peninsula.
In medieval times it was probably a Moorish settlement since the 8th century when during the times of King Jaime I of Aragón in the 13th century it was identified as an Alqueria, a sort of large farmhouse in a hamlet known as Beni-Al-Arus, a clear name of Arab origin and heritage.
It was probably liked to the domains of Abd-allah-Al Balansi son of the first Caliphe of Cordoba Abd-al-Rahman who received many territories of the Valencian territory by the father and in that case that denomination could be also related to the Umayyad Emirate or in a second hypothesis to the successors Almoravib and Almohad dynasties.
After the settlement of the Catholic Kings in 1233, the village was mentioned in the charter of restocking known as Carta Puebla on 29th September 1241, and it was named Bynalaroç and since then it became a Christian village.
In medieval times it was probably a Moorish settlement since the 8th century when during the times of King Jaime I of Aragón in the 13th century it was identified as an Alqueria, a sort of large farmhouse in a hamlet known as Beni-Al-Arus, a clear name of Arab origin and heritage.
It was probably liked to the domains of Abd-allah-Al Balansi son of the first Caliphe of Cordoba Abd-al-Rahman who received many territories of the Valencian territory by the father and in that case that denomination could be also related to the Umayyad Emirate or in a second hypothesis to the successors Almoravib and Almohad dynasties.
After the settlement of the Catholic Kings in 1233, the village was mentioned in the charter of restocking known as Carta Puebla on 29th September 1241, and it was named Bynalaroç and since then it became a Christian village.
Before the Arab conquest of a wide coastal area of the ancient Hispania for centuries suffered attacks by Moorish and Berber pirates and therefore as all along Valencia and Castellón coasts were erected watchtowers with the function to warn the population in case of danger and incursions by sea.
In the current municipality was elevated one of them popularly called Torreta de los Moros the Turret of the Moors, an historic example of those defencive constructions which was also used the 19th century for local military purposes for the defence of the town and around it was built a wall despite today only the ruins are visible.
In the Middle Ages Vinaròs depended from the nearest Peñíscola as its neighbour Benicarló until it gained its autonomy began its growth and transforming itself year by year in a sort of small capital of the northern Valencian Community.
Since then it became one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean in the gulf of Valencia with the presence of large arsenals and including started with success an active shipyards activity which determined its golden ages and from a reality of humble villages that settlelent started a considerable escalation in the early 16th century obtaining in 1504 the official title of town.
The relevance of its harbour was also confirmed in the 17th century when it was used in 1609 to embark over 15,000 Moriscos descendants of Moors remained in Spanish territory expelled by the Kingdom ruled in that time by King Felipe III for different reasons.
That decision was sentenced in a long list of points but the most important were those related to a revolt which took place in the Alpujarra near Granada, in addition in opinion of that Monarch they lived isolated from the rest of the community and there were suspects they could plan a plot entering in contact with a feared enemy as the Ottoman Empire with a possible return of Muslims rulers in Spain.
In the 18th century that centre started a notable agricultural activity with vineyards and citrus as main protagonisst gaining relevance in the community and also in markets of the nearest interior.
in the 19th century the town during the Carlist Wars supported the Royalty and the Queen Elizabeth II in 1862 granted Vinaròs the title of Muy Noble y Leal Villa,very noble and loyal town and in 1881 it achieved another sort of award by the Monarch Alfonso XII when it was declared town of relevant importance.
In the early 20th century that centre suffered a notable decay, The vines which were in the past apart fishing one of the main wealthy sources of the local economy suffered a terrible phylloxera which destroyed all the vineyards without chances to re-establish a productive cultivation.
They were replaced by carob,olive and almond trees and in the following decades was increased the implantation of orange trees. To create a new resource to support the relaunch of the economy started to be developed bases about furniture industry which had a start-up pretty positive at national level.
During the Civil War, n 1938, the troops of the 4th Division of Navarra commanded by the General Camilo Alonso Vega, a loyal lieutenant of the Dictator Francisco Franco occupied Calig,Vinaròs and Benicarló.
In the current municipality was elevated one of them popularly called Torreta de los Moros the Turret of the Moors, an historic example of those defencive constructions which was also used the 19th century for local military purposes for the defence of the town and around it was built a wall despite today only the ruins are visible.
In the Middle Ages Vinaròs depended from the nearest Peñíscola as its neighbour Benicarló until it gained its autonomy began its growth and transforming itself year by year in a sort of small capital of the northern Valencian Community.
Since then it became one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean in the gulf of Valencia with the presence of large arsenals and including started with success an active shipyards activity which determined its golden ages and from a reality of humble villages that settlelent started a considerable escalation in the early 16th century obtaining in 1504 the official title of town.
The relevance of its harbour was also confirmed in the 17th century when it was used in 1609 to embark over 15,000 Moriscos descendants of Moors remained in Spanish territory expelled by the Kingdom ruled in that time by King Felipe III for different reasons.
That decision was sentenced in a long list of points but the most important were those related to a revolt which took place in the Alpujarra near Granada, in addition in opinion of that Monarch they lived isolated from the rest of the community and there were suspects they could plan a plot entering in contact with a feared enemy as the Ottoman Empire with a possible return of Muslims rulers in Spain.
In the 18th century that centre started a notable agricultural activity with vineyards and citrus as main protagonisst gaining relevance in the community and also in markets of the nearest interior.
in the 19th century the town during the Carlist Wars supported the Royalty and the Queen Elizabeth II in 1862 granted Vinaròs the title of Muy Noble y Leal Villa,very noble and loyal town and in 1881 it achieved another sort of award by the Monarch Alfonso XII when it was declared town of relevant importance.
In the early 20th century that centre suffered a notable decay, The vines which were in the past apart fishing one of the main wealthy sources of the local economy suffered a terrible phylloxera which destroyed all the vineyards without chances to re-establish a productive cultivation.
They were replaced by carob,olive and almond trees and in the following decades was increased the implantation of orange trees. To create a new resource to support the relaunch of the economy started to be developed bases about furniture industry which had a start-up pretty positive at national level.
During the Civil War, n 1938, the troops of the 4th Division of Navarra commanded by the General Camilo Alonso Vega, a loyal lieutenant of the Dictator Francisco Franco occupied Calig,Vinaròs and Benicarló.
That event had all around the country a notable resonance because the army cut all the
communications between the Valencian Community and Catalonia by road and sea including in the interior and just some days after were also cut all the others towards south in direction Valencia and Alicante.
It was a period in which the current resort was totally isolated from the the rest of Spain, the population lived an uncertain destiny but those operations were considered of extreme iimportance by the Government to isolate every possible attack by the enemies of the the regime.
Despite the local area suffered several damages,the former port kept itself intact and it was quickly carried out dredging to allow good access to Vinaròs by sea while by land the recovery was pretty slow and laborious.
In more contemporary times next to the always active catch of seafood and fish with prawn eternal icon for the joy of the most demanding palates also Tourism had an important development becoming one of the pillars of the local economy.
The town is mainly developed behind its port enclosed between the coastal Avenida Colon in its northern side a long maritime avenue and the Carretera Costa Sur, a littoral road which starts after the banks of the harbour and Paseo Maritimo,the scenic maritime promenade immediately adjacent to it.
Carrer de Santa Magdalena is an important axis situated just five minutes walking from the port running from north to south crossing the municipal centre and along it you can take two streets as Carrer de Sant Josep on its left side and Carrer de Pais Valencia on the right easily entering in the beating heartof Vinàros.
Carrer Ramon Lull is another main artery and taking it on the right side you can reach Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Socors and behind it you can find an area offering a good number of bars, taverns and shops.
The town kept close ties to its past from archaeological findings and the strength of its Religious and civil buildings and in the the core of Vinàros there are some interesting historic buildings such as Casa del Consell built between the 14th and 15th century, Casa de la Vila erected in 1784 still retaining its original facade and some Modernist buildings such as Casa Angel Giner, El Previsor and Posito de Pescadores, all constructions erected in different periods which are part of the historic and architectural patrimony still visible today.
In the core of the resort you can also admire a sculpture depicting José Domingo Costa y Borras, a prominent local figure related to the early 19th century honoured by Pope Pius IX with the title of great soldier of Christ in Spain and consecrated as Bishop in 1848.
The locals dedicated him that monument as signal of gratitude for his service to the community elevating in his honour that memorial monument on 28th March 1965, in the centenary year of his death.
In the core of the resort you can also admire a sculpture depicting José Domingo Costa y Borras, a prominent local figure related to the early 19th century honoured by Pope Pius IX with the title of great soldier of Christ in Spain and consecrated as Bishop in 1848.
The locals dedicated him that monument as signal of gratitude for his service to the community elevating in his honour that memorial monument on 28th March 1965, in the centenary year of his death.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Religious construction located in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Town Hall square and it is the most important Christian seat built in the municipality.
Its elevation began in 1586 and it was consecrated some years later in 1597, it is a Sacred building with a fine eclectic mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles and in 1978 it was ranked as Historical and Artistic monument.
Its elevation began in 1586 and it was consecrated some years later in 1597, it is a Sacred building with a fine eclectic mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles and in 1978 it was ranked as Historical and Artistic monument.
The aspect of that structure is very interesting because it is a peculiar example of a fortified Religious Temple of the 16th century with many architectural Gothic-Renaissance details but also with some elements of Baroque and that fine composition was a work by the architects Joan Marc Valsánchez and Joan Frigafont.
In the 17th century started the construction of the bell tower ended in 1660 while in 1657 began the construction of the Chapel of the Communion attached on the right side of the main Ecclesiastic body and finished 10 years later.
The Church consists of a longitudinal nave with side chapels between buttresses and a semi-octagonal chancel.On an elevation of thick buttresses which defines the chapels rests a slightly pointed ribbed vault, subdivided in six sections by transverse arches covering the ship.
In the 17th century started the construction of the bell tower ended in 1660 while in 1657 began the construction of the Chapel of the Communion attached on the right side of the main Ecclesiastic body and finished 10 years later.
The Church consists of a longitudinal nave with side chapels between buttresses and a semi-octagonal chancel.On an elevation of thick buttresses which defines the chapels rests a slightly pointed ribbed vault, subdivided in six sections by transverse arches covering the ship.
The polygonal apse is wrapped with a six-pointed star vault in a late Gothic style next to the Chapel of the Communion in Baroque style structurally consists of a double Greek cross plan in which the narrow sides are designed as small altars. The Temple is covered in its centre by a dome on drum surmounted by a lantern which is supported by four arches and the roof of the Chapel is similar to the previous but smaller.
The Baroque facade which dominates the entrance was developed between 1698 and 1702, being an example of facade-altarpiece and it is subdivided in two sections,one inside,heavy and solid and very stylish and refined in the upper section.
Flanking the portal whose jambs and roof have rectangular pads stand on a high plinth,two free pairs of twisted columns topped with Corinthian capital of Roman style.The upper body is perched on a cornice which on reaching the central wall breaks into an arch that frames the Marian anagram opening a niche which houses the image of the Assumption,a work by the architect Serrano.
It is flanked on both sides by twisted columns paths,two pillars and two pilasters mounted pedestal varied while second body is topped with another ledge which arches in the centre to protect the oculus framed by four sockets with pinnacles.
Flanking the portal whose jambs and roof have rectangular pads stand on a high plinth,two free pairs of twisted columns topped with Corinthian capital of Roman style.The upper body is perched on a cornice which on reaching the central wall breaks into an arch that frames the Marian anagram opening a niche which houses the image of the Assumption,a work by the architect Serrano.
It is flanked on both sides by twisted columns paths,two pillars and two pilasters mounted pedestal varied while second body is topped with another ledge which arches in the centre to protect the oculus framed by four sockets with pinnacles.
The Iglesia Parroquial de San Agustín Obispo, the Parish church of St. Augustine Bishop next to the market including the Church closed for worship was transformed in Municipal Auditorium.
That structure you can see nowadays is not the former Augustinian Convent, founded in 1594 which was later re-developed in Baroque and Rococo styles between the 17th and 18th centuries and endured until 1835 as Religious seat for worship and since then it had different uses until it was demolished to build the municipal market and re-erected in what you can see today.
It is a construction with a single nave with side chapels between buttresses which are perforated allowing passage between them.The nave which is through arches that lower on pillars is subdivided in four sections covered with a barrel vault with lunettes while the transepts and the aisles are also covered by vaults and in the centre of the transept stands a dome.
That structure you can see nowadays is not the former Augustinian Convent, founded in 1594 which was later re-developed in Baroque and Rococo styles between the 17th and 18th centuries and endured until 1835 as Religious seat for worship and since then it had different uses until it was demolished to build the municipal market and re-erected in what you can see today.
It is a construction with a single nave with side chapels between buttresses which are perforated allowing passage between them.The nave which is through arches that lower on pillars is subdivided in four sections covered with a barrel vault with lunettes while the transepts and the aisles are also covered by vaults and in the centre of the transept stands a dome.
As Municipal property on that surface was erected apart the Auditorium also a small museum now closed and the Chapel of St.Victoria with a symmetrical exterior facade with a central body flanked by two square towers and two bodies separated by a cornice line.
The architectural development of the plan of its consists in a double Greek cross covered by a dome, it was once destined as exhibition built between 1786 and 1788 to house the body of the Martyr St.Victoria.
The Ermita de San Gregoriothe Hermitage of Saint Gregory is further interesting Religious construction elevated in Vinaròs situated in the outskirts of the town at approximately 800,0 metres from the centre.
The history of that shrine started after being freed from a plague of locusts and the farmers grateful to St.Gregory who believed he had helped them decided on September of 1779 to develop that Religious building in his honour.
The first stone was laid on the following year in May 1780, in 1781 the facade was finished according to the date inscribed on the lintel but the interior was ended in 1799 according to an inscription on the back.
The facade with cornice broken lines which is framed, focused, a cover of two bodies.The lower has Tuscan pilasters supporting a frieze with triglyphs, metopes, the lintel key and an oval shield with sacred symbols. The second section focuses on a niche defined by Ionic pilasters and accompanied by pinnacles at the ends and above was inserted an oval porthole and protected pinnacles which increases the vertical shape.
The Chapel has a Greek cross, extended main shaft to move the choir loft at the foot and the presbytery in the head.Covered by a dome with pendent cruise resting on pilasters compound on the outside,the dome rests on an octagonal drum slightly elevated with rectangular windows on the inside nerves are between the dome while the side arms are covered by a barrel vault with lunettes.
The altarpiece has the representation of San Antonio Abad, St.Anthony the Abbot crowning the whole surface, the representations of St. Abdon and Senen in the sides and the image of St.Gregory in the central niche are other relevant highlights as also some preserved frescoes in the two side altarpieces dedicated to St. Rita of Cascia and St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
For many years in the 20th century that Chapel was used as a municipal warehouse and fell into disrepair. During the summers of 2001 and 2002 a group of students and graduates of the UJI rehabilitated its interior.
The Port is definitely one of the iconic symbols of Vinaròs and the first stone was laid on an existing one on 9th February 1866 and officially opened in 1875.
Ten years later in 1885 it premiered the extended anchorage and in the last century the harbour was protected by structures with a double parallel dock called Poniente and Levante meaning West and East.
The pier is a pleasant place always crowded by fishermen,amateurs or professionals,that dock serves boat mooring work and leisure and also the Marina is located there.At the end of that site you can have a panoramic view of the resort from another perspective and contemplating a magnificent image of the Mediterranean with a pleasant walk along a lovely waterfront promenade.
Very close to the Paseo Maritimo, the Maritime promenade leading to Playa del Fortin you can reach Plaza San Antonio, St.Anthony Square.Draws attention to the colour in which is made the floor covered with coloured tiles and in the centre of the square lies a circular fountain covered with other small shining tiles which give a spectacular reflection in sunny days.
The town also has a good number of beaches developed on a longitude of 12,0 kilometres such as Playa del Fortin, Amerador, Barbiguera, Triador, Cala Puntal, Els Cossis, Playa Sur ,Las Salinas and Saldonar among mnay others.
The most important is undoubtedly Playa del Fortin which extends from the pier to the Cérbol river mouth.It is a wide beach of over 700,0 metres in length highlighted by a fine golden sand it is is integrated in the town by a very easy access and suitable to practise any water sport.
Cala Puntal is another suggested, it is not very long but it is pretty loved by locals, it consists in arched sandy beach 175,0 metres long and approximately 10,0 metres wide and there is a camping just half kilometre away.
Playa Sur is a beach with stupendous golden sand very loved by families with children because the depth on its shoreline is not very high, an oasis of peace and serenity except in summer season, it is a straight stretch 120, 0 metres long and 16,0 metres wide.
I also suggested you Playa Las Salinas, it is a splendid stretch with a length of 380,0 metres and 14,0 metres width easily accessible and with a very fine sand boasting since a long time a deserved Blue Flag as all the previously mentioned.
Also in the immediate surroundings of Vinàros there are very interesting monuments and attractions and worth a visit the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, a Hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy which is located on the top of a small hill called Puig, approximately 6,0 kilometres away from the centre of the town.
The history of that shrine started after being freed from a plague of locusts and the farmers grateful to St.Gregory who believed he had helped them decided on September of 1779 to develop that Religious building in his honour.
The first stone was laid on the following year in May 1780, in 1781 the facade was finished according to the date inscribed on the lintel but the interior was ended in 1799 according to an inscription on the back.
The facade with cornice broken lines which is framed, focused, a cover of two bodies.The lower has Tuscan pilasters supporting a frieze with triglyphs, metopes, the lintel key and an oval shield with sacred symbols. The second section focuses on a niche defined by Ionic pilasters and accompanied by pinnacles at the ends and above was inserted an oval porthole and protected pinnacles which increases the vertical shape.
The Chapel has a Greek cross, extended main shaft to move the choir loft at the foot and the presbytery in the head.Covered by a dome with pendent cruise resting on pilasters compound on the outside,the dome rests on an octagonal drum slightly elevated with rectangular windows on the inside nerves are between the dome while the side arms are covered by a barrel vault with lunettes.
The altarpiece has the representation of San Antonio Abad, St.Anthony the Abbot crowning the whole surface, the representations of St. Abdon and Senen in the sides and the image of St.Gregory in the central niche are other relevant highlights as also some preserved frescoes in the two side altarpieces dedicated to St. Rita of Cascia and St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
For many years in the 20th century that Chapel was used as a municipal warehouse and fell into disrepair. During the summers of 2001 and 2002 a group of students and graduates of the UJI rehabilitated its interior.
The Port is definitely one of the iconic symbols of Vinaròs and the first stone was laid on an existing one on 9th February 1866 and officially opened in 1875.
Ten years later in 1885 it premiered the extended anchorage and in the last century the harbour was protected by structures with a double parallel dock called Poniente and Levante meaning West and East.
The pier is a pleasant place always crowded by fishermen,amateurs or professionals,that dock serves boat mooring work and leisure and also the Marina is located there.At the end of that site you can have a panoramic view of the resort from another perspective and contemplating a magnificent image of the Mediterranean with a pleasant walk along a lovely waterfront promenade.
Very close to the Paseo Maritimo, the Maritime promenade leading to Playa del Fortin you can reach Plaza San Antonio, St.Anthony Square.Draws attention to the colour in which is made the floor covered with coloured tiles and in the centre of the square lies a circular fountain covered with other small shining tiles which give a spectacular reflection in sunny days.
Another emblematic monument of Vinaròs is undoubtedly its Plaza de Toros the iconic bullring.The bullfight has always had there a long tradition with a historic first event which took place in 1852, the town also participated to the Cuadrilla del Relojero and in 1863 was built the first official wooden bullring.
The square was removed to build the present which opened during the Fair and Festival of San Juan and San Pedro in 1891.The Marquis de la Figuera assumed the cost of that work and after many operations and works of remodelling in the past the last restoration was completed in 2003, giving it the current appearance.
The square was removed to build the present which opened during the Fair and Festival of San Juan and San Pedro in 1891.The Marquis de la Figuera assumed the cost of that work and after many operations and works of remodelling in the past the last restoration was completed in 2003, giving it the current appearance.
The town also has a good number of beaches developed on a longitude of 12,0 kilometres such as Playa del Fortin, Amerador, Barbiguera, Triador, Cala Puntal, Els Cossis, Playa Sur ,Las Salinas and Saldonar among mnay others.
The most important is undoubtedly Playa del Fortin which extends from the pier to the Cérbol river mouth.It is a wide beach of over 700,0 metres in length highlighted by a fine golden sand it is is integrated in the town by a very easy access and suitable to practise any water sport.
Cala Puntal is another suggested, it is not very long but it is pretty loved by locals, it consists in arched sandy beach 175,0 metres long and approximately 10,0 metres wide and there is a camping just half kilometre away.
Playa Sur is a beach with stupendous golden sand very loved by families with children because the depth on its shoreline is not very high, an oasis of peace and serenity except in summer season, it is a straight stretch 120, 0 metres long and 16,0 metres wide.
I also suggested you Playa Las Salinas, it is a splendid stretch with a length of 380,0 metres and 14,0 metres width easily accessible and with a very fine sand boasting since a long time a deserved Blue Flag as all the previously mentioned.
Also in the immediate surroundings of Vinàros there are very interesting monuments and attractions and worth a visit the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, a Hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy which is located on the top of a small hill called Puig, approximately 6,0 kilometres away from the centre of the town.
It is an old building all painted in white,the enclosure which houses the shrine is made today by a temple with arcades,the inn and the house of the hermit. The Chapel has been raised in various chronological periods after the stables built for pilgrims.
In the second half of the 16th century the lodge was built while the the enclosure walls were developed in the first half of the 17th century and in the 18th century the building was expanded showing the present aspect you can admire nowadays.
The first phase of the construction consisted of a Latin cross plan with a single nave with two sections covered with groin vault and polygonal apse.The upper body is covered by a large dome while the centre of the nave was raised to match the new construction.
The vaults are decorated with frescoes forming compartments framing mode and inside the Church are preserved series of ceramic murals.In the centre of the nave floor you can admire some large tile mosaics which show bucolic scenes and all those splendid ceramic assemblages are dated the 18th century.
The other units which make up the hermitage are the lodge and stables dating from the 12th and 18th centuries.On the right of the Church building you can see the former house of the hermit, an atypical construction of the 16th century with its sloping buttresses which was subsequently extended int the 18th century.
The vaults are decorated with frescoes forming compartments framing mode and inside the Church are preserved series of ceramic murals.In the centre of the nave floor you can admire some large tile mosaics which show bucolic scenes and all those splendid ceramic assemblages are dated the 18th century.
The other units which make up the hermitage are the lodge and stables dating from the 12th and 18th centuries.On the right of the Church building you can see the former house of the hermit, an atypical construction of the 16th century with its sloping buttresses which was subsequently extended int the 18th century.
Important sons of Vinaròs are the previously mentioned Jose Domenech Costa y Borras former Bishop of Tarragona, Borrás Jarque born writer who wrote Història de Vinaroz Leopoldo Querol a pianist and professor at the National Conservatory of Music and he composer Carles Santos Ventura,Wenceslao Ayguals of Izco although it is basically recognised for his work as a novelist he was also a character heavily involved in various activities both cultural and political, of the town.
A curious episode happened in that Spanish municipality,Louis-Joseph de Vendôme Marshal of the of the Bourbons Army during the War of Succession died in Vinàros according to what is said, a surfeit of shrimp and shellfish.
Many are the popular events protagonists in the town which is very festive and throughout the year it celebrates many festivals.Every year in January takes place the celebration of the Saint Anthony. It is very popular with Baile de diablos ,Dancing Devils, also made bonfires on the beach.
The day 20th January is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, subject of much popular devotion and the Chapel of the Saint is filled with people for the annual pilgrimage.
The day 20th January is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, subject of much popular devotion and the Chapel of the Saint is filled with people for the annual pilgrimage.
Between January an February the Carnaval de Vinaroz , the Carnival of Vinaròs is one of the most important in the Spanish Mediterranean area .Still being a party tradition was banned by decree of the Dictator Franco, but since 1983 has collected all the best of the new attributes and overlaying lost the big party.
Thanks to the effort of the municipality the carnival has become a explosion of joy and colour and in 2011 the Carnival was awarded by Castellón Onda Cero as best party of the county.
Between 24 and 29 of June is celebrated the Fair and Festival of San Juan and San Pedro and another curious event is the so called Nit del Pijama, an appointment where everyone goes on the the streets wearing pyjamas.
Holy Week is another important date with processions in the local streets with an important participation.In June,the parties are fair and St. John and St. Peter. On 20th July is celebrated the Festival dedicated to the patron Saint of fishermen the Virgen del Carmen and in August another popular event is the Feria del Langostino the Festival of Shrimp.
Thanks to the effort of the municipality the carnival has become a explosion of joy and colour and in 2011 the Carnival was awarded by Castellón Onda Cero as best party of the county.
Between 24 and 29 of June is celebrated the Fair and Festival of San Juan and San Pedro and another curious event is the so called Nit del Pijama, an appointment where everyone goes on the the streets wearing pyjamas.
Holy Week is another important date with processions in the local streets with an important participation.In June,the parties are fair and St. John and St. Peter. On 20th July is celebrated the Festival dedicated to the patron Saint of fishermen the Virgen del Carmen and in August another popular event is the Feria del Langostino the Festival of Shrimp.
The resort offers the chance to enjoy several activities.There are many sports facilities allow to practise water sports during summer season such as fishing, sailing and water skiing.The Club Nautico of Vinaròs is pretty well equipped and it also offers diving lessons.
Golf lovers can enjoy that sport in Panoramic Golf Club just 8,0 kilometres from the resort fwhile Equestrian and horse riding are activities possible to enjoy at the Equestrian Centre.
The aerodrome Maestrat-Vinaròs offers the chance of sightseeing flights, flying over the coast, enjoying an aerial view of the entire town but also of Oropesa,Peñiscola and the Ebro Delta river.
Golf lovers can enjoy that sport in Panoramic Golf Club just 8,0 kilometres from the resort fwhile Equestrian and horse riding are activities possible to enjoy at the Equestrian Centre.
The aerodrome Maestrat-Vinaròs offers the chance of sightseeing flights, flying over the coast, enjoying an aerial view of the entire town but also of Oropesa,Peñiscola and the Ebro Delta river.
Apart the famous prawns and shrimps which are prepared in several styles such as,grilled, baked,stone or rum and boiled and always exquisite. the rich local cuisine offers a wide range of specialities and recipes that combine all the flavor of the sea with the best Mediterranean tradition.
Rice, fish and seafood are the highlights of the local gastronomy.Arroz con Gambas, Rice with prawns, Bacalao, cod cooked in different styles ,Choco Frito, fried squid excellent cuttlefish ,red mullet, flounders and sardines are part of the traditional cuisine.
The famous Zarzuela de pescado is a typical stew prepared with different seafood and fish and very traditional is also the Salpicó, chopped eel and Arroz Espardenyes, a risotto with sea cucumbers and also very tastefully is the exquisite Arroz negre, a cuttlefish rice.
Rice, fish and seafood are the highlights of the local gastronomy.Arroz con Gambas, Rice with prawns, Bacalao, cod cooked in different styles ,Choco Frito, fried squid excellent cuttlefish ,red mullet, flounders and sardines are part of the traditional cuisine.
The famous Zarzuela de pescado is a typical stew prepared with different seafood and fish and very traditional is also the Salpicó, chopped eel and Arroz Espardenyes, a risotto with sea cucumbers and also very tastefully is the exquisite Arroz negre, a cuttlefish rice.
Another local speciality is the Coca you can compare it to a sort of Italian focaccia,they are prepared with various ingredients and in many variants such as with tomato, vegetable and barrets, salted Cocas covered with a crust of salt, coca onion,coca spinach and many others.One of the traditional plate is the Flaón consisting in potatoes and nuts, peel roast potatoes making a cake and it inside curd.
If you are planning to travel by plane you can reach that seaside town in a very easy way from the Airports of Valencia, Reus and Barcelona as wel l.By car there are several options, first AP-7, exit 42 Ulldecona - Vinaròs and exit 43 Peñíscola - Benicarlo -Vinàros.
The National Highway 340 runs along the coast coming from Barcelona and Valencia and the National Highway 232 comes from the interior from Zaragoza, Alcaniz and Morella.By Train from Valencia,Reus or Barcelona you will directly come to the local Railway Station of situated in the square Plaça de l'Estacio.
The National Highway 340 runs along the coast coming from Barcelona and Valencia and the National Highway 232 comes from the interior from Zaragoza, Alcaniz and Morella.By Train from Valencia,Reus or Barcelona you will directly come to the local Railway Station of situated in the square Plaça de l'Estacio.
The Costa del Azahar on the sunny Mediterranean a stupendous climate,a town with a notable historic patrimony, an excellent tastefully cuisine,12,0 kilometres of Iberian coastline with many sandy beaches to enjoy during a pleasant holiday or also in an enjoyable short break make Vinaròs a great and perfect destination ready to delight you all year.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Vinaròs
Hotel RH Vinaròs Aura
Hotel RH Vinaròs Playa
Hotel Roca
Hotel Roca
Vinaroz is a great destination for all people wants a relaxing seaside resort holidays,excellent food and enjoying the several Festivals this town of "Costa del Azahar" offers.
ReplyDeleteDo not hesitate to contact me for every information or collaboration you need about this coastal Spanish destination.
Kind regards
Francesco