Castell de Santa Bàrbara

The Castell de Santa Bàrbara occupies the steepest part of a 490-metre hill directly above the village of Sella. Its origins go back to the 12th–13th centuries, under Muslim rule, and after the Christian conquest the Moorish population stayed on the site until the 1609 expulsion decree, when the Marquis of Sella arranged for resettlement with Old Christian families from Mallorca.

From castle to hermitage

In the 18th century a hermitage dedicated to Santa Bàrbara was built within the castle grounds, reusing one of the towers — topped with a small bell gable — which became the hermitage keeper's house and was lived in until the early 20th century. Festivities and a pilgrimage in her honour are still held on the first weekend of December, one of the times of year the castle sees the most visitors.

What to see

Of the complex, listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural, only a few sections of wall remain standing, since the site is in ruins. Beyond its historical value, the main draw is the setting itself: from the hill you look out over the village of Sella, the valley and much of the southern face of the Sierra de Aitana.

The climb up can be combined with a walk through the old town and the Iglesia de Santa Ana, and it makes a good half-day addition for anyone visiting the area for the climbing in the Barranc de l'Arc, since it only takes a short detour from the village.