Onda

The history of Onda starts in Roman times. Considering the Moorish influence its name likely comes from Arabic. During the medieval Christian Reconquista, Onda played an important role. King James I granted it a charter in the 13th century, establishing its royal status. In 1967 both the Onda's Castle and the Old Town were declared Historic and Artistic Site and Heritage of Cultural Interest.

We grabbed the baby carrier with our son in it and started our visit with the cup of coffee at the Plaza del Almudín (eng. Almudin Square), one of the most unique squares in the Valencian Community. From 1418 until the end of 19th century the square was used as a market place for the storage, purchase and sale of grain. The name "almudín" comes from an Arabic word meaning a place where grain is traded. Even today, you can find a well on the south side, near the old fountain that was covered in 1853. The square is still a central meeting point in the historic center, many musical events and fairs take place there. 

After that we started a climb to the Castillo de los 300 Torres (eng. Castle of 300 towers). Apparently, in its best days the castle had as many towers as days in the year. It is an impressive castle with spectacular panoramic views, located at 284 m above sea level and covers an estimated area of 25,500 square meters. This fortress was built in the 10th century by Muslims. It was composed of two spaces. On the one hand, the civil city or medina at the first line of wall and, on the other, the castle or political-military city.

Another important monument to see in Onda is the beautiful Iglesia de la Asunción (eng. Church of the Assumption). The church has a Latin cross shape and a single nave. The construction of the current temple, with a neo-baroque style façade, started in 1727, replacing an older church. The original one, built in the 14th century, suffered a major fire on December 18, 1467, which destroyed almost the whole church, except for bell tower that still stands today.

Next to the church, along Calle de los Ángeles, you will find the Morería neighborhood with its origins to pre-1248 when Muslims were displaced from the walled city. Built outside the town walls, it kept its layout with San Vicente and Morería streets, following Islamic urban planning. There were over fifty homes and a mosque, later converted to the Chapel of San Vicente. This Muslim enclave lasted until 1609.

Last but not least, Onda is know for its ceramics. Therefore, with over 80,000 objects on display, Museo del Azulejo (eng. Tile Museum) is an excellent place to learn more about that. It started as a decorative and religious art in the 18th century and developed to a massive production in the 19th. Still now Onda remains an international centre for tile manufacturing. 

Feel free to send me your suggestions for must-visit places in the province of Castellón and beyond.