Rutas Jaume I: cultural tourism and a journey back in time
Taking you on an exploration of the trails the King once tread, Jaume I Routes are an excellent way to soak up some culture in the Region of Valencia. Travel back in time as you explore cultural routes and delve into our history as you look around incredible sights and places of interest.
Palaces, churches and municipalities speak of events and anecdotes connected to an historic figure that played a key role in our Region. Keep reading to discover just some of the extensive list of destinations you will want to visit.
Jaume I Routes in the province of Castellón
The Jaume I Routes in the province of Castellón will lead you to destinations like Morella, which Blasco de Alagón and Jaume I fought over, and Villafranca del Cid where you can photograph the beautiful medieval bridge. Sant Mateu is also on the Jaume I Routes: it’s a great destination to taste cheese, wine and traditional sweet treats like nougat and marzipan.
Your next stop is the beautiful town of Vilafamés, which Jaume I gave to the order of San Juan del Hospital, and Castelló de la Plana whose Lord was Jaume I’s great uncle: both of which are on the routes. Other destinations, to name but a few, include Onda, Segorbe and Jérica, which was considered strategic thanks to its location between Aragon and the province of Valencia.
Jaume I Routes in the province of Valencia
In present-day province of Valencia, the Jaume I Routes will transport you to municipalities like Ademuz, which was conquered in 1259, and Alpuente, which Abú Zayd ceded to Jaume I. Another must-visit is Requena, which surrendered after the conquest of València city and where you can enjoy delicious cava. And then there’s Xàtiva and Alzira, where Jaume I spent his final days.
Next, head to Llíria and Sagunto, which ceded to Jaume I in 1238, and then El Puig de Santa María, where Jaume I’s troops waited for the perfect moment to conquer València. Gandia, Ontinyent, Bocairent… Routes Jaume I give you the opportunity to try delicious wines and sausages, explore historic centres bursting with beauty and visit monumental buildings.
Jaume I Routes in the province of Alicante
In the province of Alicante, there are Jaume I Routes in Dénia, where Al-Azraq and Jaume I battled, as well as Cocentaina, which the King conquered in 1248, and Alcoy where he beat the Muslim commander Alazarch.
In Biar, the magnificent castle was used to resist Jaume I’s troops, though in Villena the King himself had to go and help put out a rebellion. Next up is Alicante, where Santa Bárbara Castle played a key role in the various confrontations that took place here.
And lastly, Elche, which Jaume I conquered for Castile in 1265, and the beautiful town of Orihuela, which Jaume I won back in 1266.
The Jaume I Routes have centuries of history to tell you. Come and explore them and find yourself falling even more in love with the Region of Valencia.
