Castle of Beatriz de Borja
This is a castle of Roman origin rebuilt during the Muslim domination, from which the name of new castle or Castellnou would come the current name of the town. The fortress was part of the defensive network of the Muslim Segorbe madina.
Conquered by the troops of James I in the middle of 1233, it would be ceded to the nobleman Berenguer d'Entença, who would retain its ownership until the end of the 13th century. In the 14th century it was sold to Guillem d'Esplugues, who raised the structure of the current building.
In the mid-15th century it passed into the hands of Beatriz de Borja, sister of Rodrigo de Borja (Alejandro VI), who had married Ximén Pérez d'Arenós. Immediately after getting married, Beatriz became Baroness of Castellnovo.
Beatriz de Borja carried out an important reform, turning it into a palace with Renaissance influences, which would serve as her residence. A double fortification surrounded the hill where the castle sits, the lower part of which has disappeared.
The Renaissance style is perceived in its vaults and pointed arches, as well as in its elaborate defenses.
The entrance portal, arranged in a corner, with a tower advanced to the left, introduces us to a central courtyard in which four rooms converge around it. The floors were paved with tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries manufactured in Manises town.
The Tower of Homage is preserved from the upper enclosure, with large windows that were made during its transformation as a palace.
Years later with the donation of the Barony and castle to the Folch de Cardona, works would be carried out again.
The Carlist wars first and the Civil War later, caused a progressive deterioration. The recent restorations have brought to light the old Renaissance trace promoted by Beatriz de Borja.