The image of Castellote, a town lying on a steep slope and crowned by the figure of the castle, is the very image of the Carlist resistance in Maestrazgo. Its castle was the strong point of the Carlist frontier in its northern part. This was the main obstacle that the liberal armies had to overcome in 1840 before launching the definitive assault on Morella. Gateway between Lower Aragon and Maestrazgo, the possession of this fortified enclave assured Cabrera the control of a large territory.
© José Luis Cano
Before the end of 1834, on December 23, the “priest Cabrera” went to Castellote and demanded 100 rations of bread, two arrobas of brandy, one of cod and 300 duros. The municipal authorities resisted.
From 1834 onwards, the pressure from the parties became very intense. There were great demands for rations, clothing and money, assaults on post offices and violence against the liberal authorities.
The capture of the castle of Castellote is the key episode in the final assault of General Espartero to Maestrazgo. When Espartero’s troops arrived in front of the town they found the old medieval castle greatly improved by the Carlists, and the black flag hoisted announcing their will to resist.
Castellote lived very closely the episodes of political violence that followed the end of the war. Its status as the head of the judicial district placed it at the head of the persecution of the guerrilla known as El Groc del Forcall who moved through the area.
Before the end of 1834, on December 23, the “priest Cabrera” went to Castellote and demanded 100 rations of bread, two arrobas of brandy, one of cod and 300 duros. The municipal authorities resisted.
From 1834 onwards, the pressure from the parties became very intense. There were great demands for rations, clothing and money, assaults on post offices and violence against the liberal authorities.
The capture of the castle of Castellote is the key episode in the final assault of General Espartero to Maestrazgo. When Espartero’s troops arrived in front of the town they found the old medieval castle greatly improved by the Carlists, and the black flag hoisted announcing their will to resist.
Castellote lived very closely the episodes of political violence that followed the end of the war. Its status as the head of the judicial district placed it at the head of the persecution of the guerrilla known as El Groc del Forcall who moved through the area.
Comarca del Maestrazgo • C/ Las Tres Baylias • 44140 Cantavieja (Teruel)
Phone: 964 185 242 • [email protected]
