The City of Oropesa and Its Castles

Oropesa is located on the western section of the area and is one of the most well known Toledo cities. The region of the city that boasts of historical culture and heritage is drawn as a rectangular setting and it comprises of many gorgeous social and sacred structures.  

A couple of adjacent castles surround the city. The older one was built in 12^th century where as 15^th century saw the construction of the second one. The 12^th century castle had four sides, round towers on the ends and also a watch- tower. When the second castle was being built, two rounded towers were removed as the two castles were designed to be joined to each other. The parade ground has two sections; the previous area is the site of the Parador de Turismo hotel. The 17^th century structured parish church of La Asunción boasts of its portico and also its tower; the Jesuit church of San Bernardo and the Jesuit College belong to the same era and they are built in plateresque and Renaissance forms of architecture. The City Hall is a magnificent public structure that dates back to the 15^th century. The Dukes of Oropesa, a few alleys and ways, were constructed in the 16th century- all that is left behind now is brick and mortar divisions and cloisters.

Oropesa del Mar has a nice location and also amazing weather- these two factors have contributed much to the development of the town. It was in the year 1379  that the castle and the walls surrounding it were prepared to endure the Berber pirate attack.

One special structure

The King’s fort of defence, Pedro I de Antequera, is a priceless Renaissance structure. It  is a military building. La Dona and Sant Julià are the two other 16^th century watch places situated on the coastal region. 

City- a medieval one

The Muslim walls and castle remnants adorn the summit of the old town. Mare de Déu and Paciència church of 14th and 18th centuries respectively are situated close by. “Ciudad de los Anticuarios” that abound sin curio shops is an exciting place to be in as there are shops that deal in medieval irons, paintings and such other cultural artifacts.

The landscape

The Orpesa mountains surround the town; the weather is pleasant throughout the year. Walk to Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park- it is indeed enjoyable.

The festivals

The primary festivals are held in the honor of Virgen de la Paciencia and they begin on the first Sunday in the month of October. Several competitions are undertaken, parades, processions, bull fights and musical shows are conducted. A competition of paellas id presented on the Monday that follows.

June 23 is the memorable and mysterious night of San Juan – bonfires are set up on the beaches and people enjoy themselves conducting their festivities around the fire. On July 25^th it is San Jaime is the center of attraction. Several famous actions are enjoyed all through the week.    

Oropesa is located very close to Castellón which is at a distance of 22 kilometres. The Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Park and Oropesa mountain range are the other attractions. Oropesa makes for a great tourist spot and the weather, too, supports visits at any time of the year. The Mediterranean lies placid and white, its beaches sandy and shimmering, its nooks and corners capricious.