Castle of the Order of Calatrava, Ráfales
A journey into the medieval history of the Matarraña region, from the Christian conquest to its evolution as an urban centre.
History and origins of the castle
The castle of Ráfales has an interesting history dating back to the time of the Christian conquest of the region. It was in 1169, during the reign of Alfonso II of Aragon, that this monarch granted the castle of Alcañiz to the prestigious religious-military Order of Calatrava, in recognition of its services and with the aim of consolidating Christian presence in the area. This influential order rapidly extended its domain across the comarca, acquiring several lordships, among which the castle of Monroyo and its villages — including Ráfales — stood out, in 1209.
In 1337, under the reign of Pedro IV of Aragon, Ráfales attained the significant title of town. It was precisely during this period that the Calatrava castle was built, whose structure constitutes the oldest and most foundational part of the current urban centre of the locality.
Did you know…? The castle of Ráfales has played other roles throughout its history
Although the castle lost its defensive function over time, it has played other roles throughout its history. Today, some of its elements — such as the entrance arch, the parade ground, a round arch and a Gothic window, as well as the shields bearing the cross of the order — still stand. The castle also housed an old hospital and a municipal granary in the past. It was later used as private dwellings and enclosures. Its history reflects the evolution of the region across the centuries.
The origin of the place name ‘Ráfales’
Did you know that the name of the municipality of Ráfales has an Arabic origin? The origin of the place name “Ráfales”, derived from “rafals” (meaning inns, farmsteads or mas), is directly linked to the history of the locality and suggests a strong Muslim presence in the area before the Reconquista. The coincidence of this name with the local legend, which attributes the origin of the village to a group of farmsteads known as “los rafelets”, further reinforces this historical association.
Place names, on many occasions, act as valuable clues that reveal the history and occupation of a place over time, and in this case, the name of Ráfales seems to be intrinsically linked to the rich Arabic heritage of the Matarraña region.
Matarraña · Tourism
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